Research projects aimed at protecting and restoring the flourishing coast of Aotearoa New Zealand have been awarded more than $7 million collectively.
Funded by the Tertiary Education Commission of New Zealand, the National Centre of Research Excellence Coastal People: Southern Skies (CPSS) has awarded about $300,000 each to 26 new projects in its competitive funding round.
Projects stretch from Northland to Ngāi Tahu takiwā in the south, making it geographically and culturally diverse, CPSS Associate Director Research Dr Chris Cornwall, from Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington, says.
CPSS, hosted by the University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka, is extending its reach into the Pacific, with new projects led by Pasifika researchers bringing deep ancestral knowledge of the coast and connections across oceans to the fore.
CPSS Research Committee Co-Chair Dr Naomi Simmonds (Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Huri, Ngāti Wehiwehi) says “we are really excited to support this phase of our research programme and look forward to seeing all the wonderful outcomes that we know these projects will deliver”.
Dr Nathan Kenny
Many of the projects are led by Māori researchers who have strong roots in their coastal communities, reflecting CPSS’s belief that meaningful research and science grows from the ground up.
The research spans everything from understanding the effects of mātaitai marine protection on coastal ecosystems, to adapting to the realities of climate change, and restoring the practices, relationships, and places that coastal communities hold dear.
Dr Nathan Kenny (Te Ātiawa and Ngāi Tahu), of Otago’s Department of Biochemistry, leads a project which aims to restore kopakopa (ribbed mussels) to coastal areas in Tōtaranui/Queen Charlotte Sound, where they have largely disappeared, helping revive an important taonga species and safeguard the cultural and ecological connections this species holds.
Dr Kenny will work alongside fellow Otago researchers, Te Ātiawa o Te Waka-a-Māui, Queen Charlotte College and local community members.
Professor Kura Paul-Burke (Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Whakahemo, Ngāti Mākino, Ngāti Pūkeko, Irish), of the University of Waikato, leads another project which prioritises mātauranga Māori with marine science to conduct ocean field trials for generative blue economy potential.
“The project aims to identify long-term bio-economic livelihoods to support ongoing restoration actions for our coastal mahinga kai and mokopuna of tomorrow,” Professor Paul-Burke says.
CPSS Director Professor Anne-Marie Jackson (Ngāti Whātua, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Wai, Ngāti Kahu o Whangaroa) says all funded projects respond directly to the priorities and impacts of the Centre. The strong Māori leadership across this round reflects both the calibre of researchers working in this space and CPSS’s deep commitment to community-centred coastal science.
“The quality of these projects is exceptional, a sign of the growing momentum behind this work across Aotearoa and the Pacific,” she says.
