Hui Hihiri 2026, Whakahikonga Uira: Igniting Our Leadership
18 March 2026 - 18 March 2026
9 am–3:30 pm
Region(s): Nationwide, Waikato
Type(s): conferences
Hui Hihiri are wānanga that bring together Māori researchers, practitioners, specialists and leaders across the research, science, innovation, and technology (RSIT) sector for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaborative discussion relevant to attendees regions. Each hui focuses on reinvigorating, connecting, nurturing and accelerating Māori capability and leadership within the RSIT sector.
Hui Hihiri 2026, Whakahikonga Uira: Igniting Our Leadership, will be a hybrid event. Invited guests will join in-person in Kirikiriroa while a live streamed, online event will be available for all to enjoy from around the motu.
Purpose
To be inspired at a time where dynamic leadership and innovation is needed to grow Māori RSIT capability and capacity.
Audience
For all early-career to seasoned RSIT Māori professionals, whānau and hapū leadership.
Programme
Whakatau | Welcome at 9:00 am
Rukutia | Closing karakia: 3:20 pm
Speakers
Workshop facilitators:
Melanie Mark-Shadbolt
Mahonri Owen
Hine-Kaunuku (Morgana) Watson
Panelists:
Kura Paul-Burke
James Whetū
Te Taka Keegan
For more information, programme and to register, go to: https://kanapu.maori.nz/huihihiri.
Related content
We are fortunate to have some of the panellists' work featured on the Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao.
Dr Te Taka Keegan was involved in some of our content on traditional Māori navigational skills and participated in the Waka Tapu voyage. He was also part of Bots vs Beings – the impacts of AI on life and work panel discussion. ChatGPT and Māori data sovereignty explores some of the cautions and promises that Dr Te Taka Keegan sees in the future of LLMs.
Discover how marine researcher Kura Paul-Burke used mātauranga ā iwi as a starting point to restore kuku (mussel) beds in Ōhiwa Harbour. The research team enlisted weaving experts to create mussel ropes from natural fibres to encourage new kuku populations and to avoid creating microplastics.
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