Kanapu Exchange has been designed to connect emerging Māori researchers and graduates with industry specialists and organisations as well as offering hands-on experiences that shape our research, science, innovation, and technology sector. The hope is that these exchanges will create a lasting impact by nurturing Māori talent and leadership whilst enriching the sector with Māori knowledge and perspectives. It is more than career development; it is about weaving together people, knowledge and opportunity.
Expert & Event Access
Get support to present at, or attend events!
Have an event coming up in the first half of 2027 and need help to facilitate, get there, or present? Expert and Event Access is for you! Participation in RSIT events is critical in helping you:
- Network and connect ā-tinana with leading researchers and peers
- Expand your leadership and presentation skills
- Build your voice in the RSIT sector
Apply now and have someone from your organisation submit an endorsement of support.
Applications close Monday 30th November.
Practical
Experiences
Gain hands on experience
through on-site visits and
short-term placements with established organisations
Expert and
Event Access
Engage with industry professionals through sector events for
knowledge sharing, networking,
collaboration and leadership development
Internship
Assistance
Receive support with
internships based outside
of the local region
Strengthening Māori presence, leadership and prosperity in science, innovation and technology for generations to come
Expert and Event Access
Kanapu Exchange supported Kirikiriroa creative developer James Brooks to attend Indigidata Aotearoa in late 2025.
The six-day wānanga, held at Auckland University, aimed to build capacity amongst Māori in data science, data sovereignty, ethics and applications. James – who describes himself as a ‘tech-bending digital toa’ – founded a kaupapa
Māori based creative studio named Small Idea, that utilises
design, style, gameplay and narrative in its activities.
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“I have added so much to my kete. As a Māori entrepreneur working in this digital tech space, this will definitely help shape the mahi I do at Small Idea going forward”
– James Brooks
Practical Experiences
Kanapu Exchange partnered with the Bioeconomy Science Institute to
co-design the open day, E Tipu, E Rea in July 2026.
Days like this give tauira, researchers, and community members the chance to see the RSIT sector up close. Attendees get to connect directly with researchers and professionals, learn about current projects and how they apply in the real world, and gain real clarity on the career pathways available in the sector.
Nima, who attended the day, is the Māori and Pacific Career Development Consultant at Waikato University.
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“Events like this are really valuable for any tauira. One, because we need to show them what their aspirations would look like, what their career choice could look like and introduce them, connect them with people who are in the roles that they aspire to. So, I’m a real firm believer of bringing tauira off-campus and immersing them in the environments that they can forsee themselves in the future.”
– Nima Riini
Practical Experiences
Together with the Bioeconomy Science Institute, Kanapu Exchange co-designed E Tipu, E Rea: Bioeconomy Science Institute Open Day where Tay Ririnui attended in July 2026.
Open days like this allow tauira, researchers, and community members to experience firsthand the RSIT sector. Participants have direct engagement with researchers & professionals, an introduction to current projects and their real-world applications, and genuine insight into pathways and careers within the sector.
Tay is currently studying a Bachelor of Environmental Engineering with Honours at Waikato University.
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“It’s not always easy to see researchers and meet them in person so it’s a really great opportunity to expand your knowledge about the Bioeconomy Science Institute and what they do here. I’ve been able to see that while there is a focus on the science that they were really integrating those indigenous perspectives into the work that they do here.”
– Tay Ririnui
Practical Experiences
In July 2026, Shanaye joined E Tipu, E Rea: Bioeconomy Science Institute Open Day, an event co-designed by Kanapu Exchange and the Bioeconomy Science Institute.
Events like this offer tauira, researchers, and community members a firsthand look into the RSIT sector — connecting participants directly with researchers and professionals, showcasing current projects and their practical impact, and offering genuine insight into the careers and pathways on offer.
Shanaye is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Biodiversity at Waikato University.
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“I would say definitely come along, it definitely broadens your knowledge, you learn new things, you make new connections and have these conversations that you probably don’t have every day.”
– Shanaye Hine
Kanapu Exchange Event Gallery
