Maori science work showcased

The New Zealand Institute of Plant & Food Research Maori state holder and relationship manager Alby Marsh. Photo/Supplied.

Rotorua is this week hosting a conference that aims to help Maori and science grow together.

Te Ara Putaiao 2016, running today and tomorrow has brought Maori and Crown Research Institutes (CRIs) together, providing a forum for groups to share knowledge and information and identify opportunities to support Maori growth through science collaborations.

The New Zealand Institute of Plant & Food Research Maori state holder and relationship manager Alby Marsh organised the conference and said it was about collaboration.

"We as Te Ara Putaiao and the Maori managers of CRIs are tasked with trying to get Maori people more involved in the sciences."

He said there were a lot of Maori people working within CRIs throughout New Zealand and their contribution was highly regarded.

"The two-day conference is a showcase to show people how Maori have done in the science community and what they have developed. It's about realising the potential of who they are as a people.

"We want to encourage Maori to participate," he said.

The two-day symposium, at Novotel Hotel Rotorua, includes presentations by keynote speakers and expert scientists, research case studies and workshops designed to strengthen collaborative efforts to realise the potential of Maori land and water resources.

To find out more about the conference head to www.scienceevents.co.nz.