Roger Pikia

Ngati Hikairo, Ngati Tahu-Ngati Whaoa

AgResearch Maori Strategist

Roger takes our Maori Strategy to New Zealand, introducing both it and our 2020 Science strategy to stakeholders of Maori agribusiness. He provides opportunities for us to partner with Maori and other stakeholders to double the value of productivity from Maori agribusiness by the year 2020. This is attracting great interest throughout the country and has resulted in commercial partnerships. Roger works with Maori to ensure we understand what they want from our science and tailor research programmes to their needs.

Email: roger.pikia@agresearch.co.nz  Phone: +64 7 838 5264

Megan Callaghan

Whanau-a-Apanui, Ngati-Kahungunu ki Wairoa, Ngati-Porou ki Whangara

Research Associate

An integral member of one of our three Maori Focus Groups, Megan acts as a kaitautoko (support person) during consultations between scientists and hapu (tribe). The Focus Groups aim to increase awareness of Maori culture and values, and to encourage AgResearch staff to learn Maori words and phrases. Her scientific work is with our Dairy Science & Technology Section.

Email: megan.callaghan@agresearch.co.nz  Phone: +64 7 838 5192

Orewa Barrett-Ohia

Tainui, Ngati Maniapoto

Social Science Researcher

Orewa helped create AgResearch's Maori Forum and helps develop Maori processes and protocols within AgResearch. Our Maori Forum provides leadership and direction to Maori-related activites and business within the company. She wants to encourage more meaningful collaborations between science and Maori because Maori involvement is critical to the future success of New Zealand's economy and farming. Her scientific work is with our Agricultural Systems Section.

You can watch a video of Orewa singing our waiata, or listen to an audio (MP3)version.

Email: orewa.barrett-ohia@agresearch.co.nz  Phone: +64 7 838 5047

Moana Puha

Ngati Porou

Research Associate

A member of our Agricultural Systems Section, Moana wants to encourage Maori students to take an interest in science and agriculture.

"I was the only Maori student in my class when I graduated from Massey University with a Bachelor of Applied Science, majoring in agriculture. We're very few and far between and I want Maori students to know that both farmers and research institutes, like AgResearch, are crying out for good, reliable people to work for them."

Email: moana.puha@agresearch.co.nz  Phone: +64 7 838 5021

Dr Gavin Sheath

Commercial Team Leader

See Gavin's bio

AgResearch Maori Forum & Focus Group members

Our Maori Forum provides leadership and direction to Maori-related activities and business within the company, while our Maori Focus Groups encourage participation in Maori educational and cultural training, and provide staff support in meetings with Maori communities.

Peter Benfell
Kitty Burton
Ellen Dunster
Dr Sue Galloway
Tim Hale
Mike King
Dr Warren McNabb
Ian Power
Toni White

Our Maori Strategist Roger Pikia speaks Hear about Megan's work at AgResearch AgResearch's Orewa Barrett-Ohia sings our waiata Hear about Moana's work with students