Home
Restoring Papatūānuku
Research pathways supporting the recloaking of Papatūānuku
What We’re Exploring
This collection of Tranche 1 projects explores how ecological science can support the restoration of healthy ecosystems and the regeneration of whenua. By focusing on soil health, microbial communities, and native biodiversity, the research contributes to the long term goal of strengthening the mauri of Aotearoa’s landscapes.
These projects show how science can be grounded in cultural context and aligned with community aspirations. They offer insights into how land, knowledge, and care can work together to support environmental wellbeing.
What We're Learning
Mātauranga and science can be brought together to strengthen the resilience and survival of maire tawake, a key species in conservation and restoration efforts.
A holistic understanding of taonga crop species such as kūmara (Ipomoea batatas) and taewa (Solanum tuberosum) can be developed through cultural, morphological, and molecular characterisation.
This knowledge is relevant to food security, ethnobotany, disease protection, and the conservation of Indigenous plant knowledge and biodiversity.
