13/12/2025
Te Hiku Health Science Roadshow 2025 – University of Auckland Labs
An incredible visit to the University of Auckland Labs Grafton Campus with Natalie Netzler (Virologist) and Kimiora Henare (Cancer Researcher), alongside their amazing teams of researchers and students.
A very cool day filled with presentations and lots of hands-on activities — truly inspiring for our rangatahi.
We’re excited that two of the researchers will be joining us next month at Noho Taiao to share their journeys with other rangatahi. We were especially grateful to have our Whangapē whanaunga Kimiora Henare, along with Matija Susich (Nana Jewels Moko) from Te Hāpua, join us. Having whānau represented in these spaces allows our rangatahi to see themselves reflected in science, research, and innovation — and to imagine themselves there too.
We wrapped up at 1.00pm to make the journey back to Kaitaia, arriving home by 6.30pm.
Absolutely awesome rangatahi. A massive mihi to everyone our young people had the opportunity to meet and kōrero with — students, scientists, cultural advisors, iwi researchers, CEOs, the Minister of Science and Innovation, and the pastoral care support team. These were powerful examples of the wide range of opportunities ahead for any of our young ones who choose to step into these pathways and intentionally help increase the number of Māori working in these fields.
Huge mihi to Nayah (Palmerston North), Isobel (Plant & Food Research, Mt Albert – BSI), and Natalie (University of Auckland) for helping to set up such a meaningful and well-designed programme, ensuring our rangatahi gained as much as possible from this Roadshow.
Much love and gratitude to you all 🤍