Te Awhina Arahanga
Based at Lincoln AgriTec, Te Awhina Arahanga is at the interface between several SfTI research projects and Te Waihora environs and Rūnanga.
We asked Te Awhina (Ngati Tuwharetoa, Te Ati Haunui a Paparangi, Ngati Hauiti ki Rata, Ngati Rangi, Waitaha, Ngati Mamoe, Ngai Tahu nga Iwi, Ngati Uenuku, Ngāti Uenukumanawawiri Ngati, Kurawhatia, Ngati Ruru, Te Ruahikihiki nga hapu Tongariro, Ruapehu Aoraki nga maunga Whanganui, Waitaki nga awa, Ko Te Whakaarotahi ki Te Whakapono, Moki, Tamatea nga Marae) some quick questions:
You grew up where?
Taumutu. Where the Norwest wind hits from the southern ocean; where Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere is kept from flowing to the sea by the narrow alluvial, Kaitorete.
What’s your role with SfTI?
I’m honoured to be working alongside the Lincoln AgriTec team facilitating how research projects, like Portfolio 2 project ‘Inverting Electromagnetics – a new way to measure groundwater flow’, provides and derive benefit to/from Te Waihora environs and Rūnanga.
What does your role involve?
It includes establishing relationships through korero and hui, eg on-site at Ngāti Moki marae, and enabling planning, maturing, and extending lasting connections.
What’s exciting in your view about SfTI?
I act as the medium or conjugate between the theoretical practices and those who work within the scientific realms of Te Ao Maori, Te Ao Mauri, Te Ao Marama and Te Ao Pakeha.
NZ science marks out of 10?
It’s on a continuum with natural ebbs and flows. But no matter what the number it’s still positive.
What are NZ science strength and weaknesses?
One strength is our number 8-wire mentality, that we can and do anything with not very much. Unfortunately, this is also one of our weaknesses.
In your view what’s the role of VM in SfTI?
It’s not often you get to say this, but it’s simple: Kia Kotahi Mai –Te Ao Pūtaiao me Te Ao Hangarau – to come together as one uniting the world of science with the world of innovation.