March 17, 2026

#national: Hui Hihiri 2026 set to ignite Māori leadership across research and innovation sector

Dale Husband Posted On March 17, 2026

Dale Husband #national: Hui Hihiri 2026 set to ignite Māori leadership across research and innovation sector

Māori leaders, researchers and practitioners from across the research, science, innovation and technology sector are set to gather for Hui Hihiri 2026, a national wānanga focused on strengthening Māori capability and leadership in the field.

The event, titled Whakahikonga Uira: Igniting Our Leadership, will take place on Wednesday March 18 and will bring together participants from Kirikiriroa and across the motu through a hybrid format that combines in-person attendance with a nationwide livestream.

Hinerangi Edwards, a director of AATEA Solutions and one of the MCs for the event, says Hui Hihiri is designed to create a space where Māori knowledge holders, emerging leaders and sector specialists can connect, share insights and build networks that support long-term development in the research, science, innovation and technology sector.

The wānanga forms part of Kanapu’s flagship series of national and regional gatherings aimed at strengthening Māori talent across the sector. The initiative focuses on lifting Māori capability, building leadership pathways and ensuring Māori voices and perspectives are embedded within science, research and technological development in Aotearoa.

For whānau considering attending, the event offers an opportunity to hear from Māori experts working across a wide range of fields while also learning about the pathways available for those interested in research, science, innovation and technology careers. The wānanga aims to inspire new connections, share practical knowledge, and create space for collaboration between experienced leaders and emerging talent.

Participants can expect a full day of kōrero focused on leadership, capability building and the role Māori play in shaping the future of research and innovation. The programme will highlight the work already being done by Māori across the sector while also exploring how communities can further strengthen participation and influence in areas that are increasingly important to the economic and social development of Aotearoa.

One of the key elements of the wānanga is the emphasis on whakawhanaungatanga, ensuring that those attending have the opportunity to connect with others who share similar goals and aspirations. Building relationships across institutions, iwi organisations, businesses and research bodies is seen as a critical step in expanding Māori leadership and collaboration within the sector.

The programme also follows earlier kōrero from Professor Poia Rewi, who spoke about the wider goals of Hui Hihiri and the importance of supporting Māori excellence across research and innovation.

Organisers say events like Hui Hihiri help strengthen the pipeline of Māori researchers, practitioners and leaders while creating a national platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing.

While invited guests will attend in person, the livestream format ensures that people from across the motu can participate and engage with the discussions online.

Those interested in attending can join the livestream of Hui Hihiri 2026, allowing whānau, students, researchers and professionals to be part of the conversations shaping Māori leadership within the research, science, innovation and technology sector.

Kanapu says Hui Hihiri remains a cornerstone of its efforts to support Māori capability and leadership development, with further events and initiatives planned as the organisation continues to build networks and opportunities across the sector.