Tipu Mātoro Wananga
Article
August 2026
Rangatahi from across Te Tairāwhiti came together to explore the worlds of science, hauora and research at the first Tipu Mātoro wānanga, hosted by Te Rangawairua o Paratene Ngata Centre of Excellence (CoE) at Te Poho Rawiri Marae in Gisborne on 20 August 2026.
The wānanga was designed to create meaningful opportunities for rangatahi to experience science firsthand, connect with leading Māori researchers and discover the diverse study and career pathways available to them.
Twenty-two rangatahi and four kaiako attended from :
▶ Te KuraKaupapa o Kawakawa Mai Tawhiti
▶ Te Waha o Rerekohu Area School
▶ Te Kura KaupapaMāori o Te Waiū o Ngāti Porou
▶ Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Horouta Wānanga
▶ TeKaraka Area School.
Bringing tauira from rural kura together created a valuable space for connection, shared learning and curiosity, with a particular focus on genetics and genomics.
A key strength of Tipu Mātoro was the involvement of researchers and tauira who have built long standing relationships with the CoE.
Professor Phillip Wilcox, Dr Kimiora Henare, Professor Stephen Robertson, Professor Peter Shepherd, master's student Fushia Tibble and PhD student Te Whetu Kerekere generously shared their knowledge, experience and pathways into science.
Their participation gave rangatahi the opportunity to learn directly from people working at the forefront of genetics, genomics and health research, while seeing how science can contribute to better outcomes for whānau and communities.
Across four hands-on rotational sessions, rangatahi used laboratory equipment, tested scientific processes and explored how genetics can inform healthcare.
Building pipetting skills
With Tyler Gray and Professor Peter Shepherd, rangatahi learned to use micropipettes and larger pipette controllers. They practised accuracy through friendly competitions and used pipetting techniques to create artwork.
Exploring gel electrophoresis
With Fushia Tibble and Professor Stephen Robertson, rangatahi learned how scientists separate and examine small sections of DNA. They loaded dye samples into electrophoresis gels and watched the samples move through the gel.
Understanding the central dogma of genetics
With Te Whetu Kerekere and Professor Phillip Wilcox, rangatahi explored how genetic information moves from DNA to RNA and is then translated into protein. By adding reagents to samples, they were able to observe the process through fluorescence.
Investigating cancer genetics
With Dr Kimiora Henare and Seany Broderick, rangatahi compared model DNA sequences with a reference sequence to identify genetic variants. They then explored how avariant may influence treatment decisions, including which medicines may be most effective for an individual cancer patient. The activity reflected processes used in diagnostic laboratories.
Tipu Mātoro demonstrated what is possible when iwi, kura, communities and researchers work together.
By making science practical, relevant and accessible, the wānanga supported rangatahi to see themselves not only as learners of science, but as future researchers, health professionals and leaders who can contribute to the aspirations of Ngāti Porou and Te Tairāwhiti.
The inaugural wānanga was made possible through the commitment of the CoE's longstanding research partners Maurice Wilkins Centre,Nona Te Ao and Moko Foundation.
We also thank the collective efforts of CoE kaimahi, who worked to plan, organise and deliver a day grounded in connection,l earning and opportunity.
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