Imagine a world where groundbreaking research not only pushes the boundaries of science but also directly benefits communities, fosters cultural understanding, and safeguards our future. That’s exactly what’s happening at the University of Auckland, where three exceptional scholars have each been awarded a staggering $1.1 million to advance their transformative work. But here’s where it gets even more exciting: this funding, provided by the Royal Society Te Apārangi, isn’t just about research—it’s about nurturing leaders who will shape Aotearoa New Zealand’s science, innovation, and technology ecosystem for years to come.
These three academics—Dr. Chris Carrie, Associate Professor Andrew Erueti, and Dr. Natalie Netzler—are among 12 mid-career researchers selected for the prestigious Mana Tūānuku Research Leader Fellowships in 2025. Each will receive $1.16 million over four years to accelerate their research, expand their leadership capabilities, and amplify their impact. And this is the part most people miss: the fellowship also connects them with invaluable networking, knowledge-sharing, and mentoring opportunities, ensuring their work resonates far beyond the lab.
Let’s dive into their groundbreaking projects:
Associate Professor Andrew Erueti (Ngā Ruahinerangi, Ngāti Ruanui, Te Atihaunui a Pāpārangi) is tackling one of society’s most pressing issues: persistent inequities in health and child welfare. But here’s the twist—his approach is deeply rooted in tikanga Māori, ensuring solutions are culturally responsive and grounded in lived realities. While his focus is on health and child welfare, the implications extend to environmental governance, criminal justice, and social equity. Erueti’s work aims to empower whānau Māori and, in the long run, foster social cohesion and economic well-being for all New Zealanders. Controversial question: Can culturally specific solutions truly address systemic inequities, or do they risk creating silos?
Dr. Natalie Netzler is on a mission to revolutionize antiviral therapies by merging Indigenous medicinal knowledge with cutting-edge virology. Here’s the stark reality: of the 300 viruses known to infect humans, only a handful have treatments, and viruses are constantly evolving resistance. Netzler (Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāti Hauā, Samoa – Moto’otua, Falealili) is collaborating with Māori and Samoan communities to test medicinal plant extracts against viruses like measles, dengue, and Zika using gold-standard virology techniques. Her work could not only uncover new antivirals but also create economic opportunities for Indigenous partners through spin-out products like nutraceuticals. But here’s where it gets controversial: How do we ensure Indigenous knowledge is respected and equitably compensated in scientific advancements?
Dr. Chris Carrie is tackling a challenge that feels ripped from a sci-fi novel: future-proofing crops against climate change. His research focuses on the geothermal kānuka tree, which thrives in the extreme conditions of the Taupō Volcanic Zone. By comparing it to a heat-sensitive relative, Carrie aims to identify the genetic and molecular mechanisms behind its resilience. Using gene-editing and synthetic biology, he hopes to transfer these traits to essential crops, safeguarding global food security. And this is the part most people miss: If successful, this research could also bolster New Zealand’s economy by protecting plants of significant economic value.
These fellowships, part of the government’s Tāwhia te Mana Research Fellowships introduced in 2024, are designed to foster and retain research leaders, strengthen career pathways, and promote equity and diversity in science, innovation, and technology. As Professor Peter Dearden, Chair of the interview panel, aptly put it, “The Fellows chosen this year represent the next wave of research leaders who will help shape Aotearoa New Zealand’s future. Their contributions are set to create meaningful impact nationally and globally for years to come.”
Now, we want to hear from you: Which of these projects excites you the most, and why? Do you think culturally grounded research like Erueti’s or Netzler’s can truly transform systemic issues? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!
