Empowering futures - Annual Report 2023

12 April, 2024

Discovery summer internships

We had two talented recipients of Discovery Scholarships placed into summer internships. Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha University of Canterbury-based students Zack Avery and Vincent Lomas both embarked on enriching experiences that align with their academic pursuits.

Zack Avery (Te Arawa) collaborated with Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha University of Canterbury-based Principal Investigator Professor Paul Kruger, delving into the project titled 'Synthesis of novel porous materials for carbon capture.' During the project, he gained hands-on experience in screening various reaction conditions to create new types of metal organic frameworks (MOFs).

Simultaneously, Vincent Lomas (Ngāi Tahu) worked alongside Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha University of Canterbury-based Associate Investigator Professor Catherine Bishop on the project 'High-throughput characterisation for alloy development.' During the project Vincent gained hands-on experience with mechanical engineering concepts and worked with a variety of software in the analysis of electron diffraction data.

Navigating global challenges through international collaboration: International Standards Organisation Conference

In a gathering of minds from around the world, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington-based Principal Investigator Professor Derek Kawiti attended the ISO (International Standards Organisation) conference in Brisbane, where the conference began with a moving welcome ceremony by Ngā Tāngata Moemoea, first nations people of Australia. Drawing a staggering 2000 attendees, the event centered around the crucial theme of "Preserving Paradise - Climate Change in the Pacific."

Derek's engagement was multi-faceted, showcasing his commitment to addressing urgent challenges faced by Pacific nations. His impactful contributions included a resonant keynote address, providing insights into critical issues surrounding climate change in the Pacific.

A highlight was Derek's moderation of a session with four Pacific leaders, delving into the magnitude and speed of climate change and sea level rise in their respective countries. This dialogue extended to the strategies employed by these leaders in response to the escalating environmental crisis, fostering collaboration and solidarity.

Climate solutions for small islands featuring (from left) Derek Kawiti, Professor, Māori Designed Environments and Indigenous Technologies and Architect; Hon Crossley Tatui, Minister for Infrastructure and Finance (Niue); Kushaal Raj, Director of Climate Change, Fiji Climate Change and National Designated Authority; Esline Garaebiti, Director General, Ministry of Climate Change Adaptation, Meteorology, Geo-Hazards, Environment, Energy and Disaster Management (Vanuatu); and Hon Vaimu'a Muliava, Minister of Digital transformation, Technological innovation, Construction and Public Service (New Caledonia). (Photo obtained from ISO Annual Meeting breaks records and builds bridges)

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