My areas of academic specialisation are Social Science (Anthropology, Museum Ethnography), Mātauranga (whakapapa-framed knowledge), and Climate Resilience (Indigenous Development), focusing on research engagement across kāika/kāinga (source marae communities and their urban-living kin) in Aotearoa and throughout wider Pacific, regarding issues of heritage protection, water security, food sovereignty and impact of climate change on health/wellbeing of tangata (Indigenous peoples), whenua (soils, waterways, forests and local ecologies) and moana (surrounding ocean). My goals include supporting Indigenous communities in Aotearoa and throughout the Pacific to (re)build and secure their social and economic wellbeing, resource sovereignty, and kin networks in the face of climate change.
I became a Companion of the Royal Society Te Apārangi (NZ) in 2024, a Board Member of the Health Research Council Of New Zealand, 2020-2024, an Eisenhower Fellow in 2005, and a Wenner Gren Foundation Scholar in 2003, 2010, 2015, and 2019.

Dr Emilio Morales is a researcher at the University of New England, Australia, whose work explores consumer perceptions, cultural value and market opportunities for Indigenous products. His research examines how authenticity, provenance and cultural identity influence consumer decision-making and willingness to pay premiums for culturally grounded products. Through his work, Dr Morales explores pathways for Indigenous enterprises to create value while maintaining the integrity of cultural knowledge and traditions.

Dr Tanya Jurado researches public policy support for SMEs, with a particular focus on Indigenous entrepreneurship, exporting businesses and inclusive economic development. She is part of a $15 million MBIE Endeavour Fund study exploring how Indigenous entrepreneurial ecosystems can enable trade and innovation. Dr Jurado is President of the Small Enterprise Association of Australia and New Zealand and Editor-in-Chief of Small Enterprise Research. Her research explores how policy, partnerships and support systems can help small businesses and entrepreneurs create social and economic value.

Dr Meika Foster is Pou Rangahau Huataki – Taketake a Tāne (Research Lead – Indigenous Organisms) for AuOra, Wakatū Incorporation. She has a background in Science and Law and her research interests include: indigenous organisms research, the development of plant-based ingredient solutions that are beneficial for health and the environment, the protection of Māori cultural and intellectual property, and novel food regulations. Meika is the Founding Director of Edible Research Ltd., which provides translational research services to industry, the science sector, and government.