Region

Wellington

Job

Stephen's work on the Harakeke project involved extracting fibre and examining the similarities and differences between different varieties of harakeke (flax).

Get video conference: The harakeke project at Industrial Research

It gave me the opportunity to hopefully return some benefits to my own people...

One of the main attractions of being involved in this project was the combination of scientific knowledge and traditional Māori knowledge. He says: “One of the really important things about the project was that it enabled our people to engage in science.”

Video: Careers: Combining science with traditional Māori knowledge

He is also an Ambassador for Futureintech and you can find out more about him at: www.futureintech.org.nz/careers.cfm?profileID=102

Stephen is also analysing a fungus called the vegetable caterpillar, or awheto, which has been used traditionally by Māori for food, medicine and to produce tattoo ink. He is hoping to find compounds in the vegetable caterpillar that are associated with its health benefits.

Get Radio New Zealand audio: Health benefits of the vegetable caterpillar.

Career Pathway

Stephen dreamed of becoming a doctor while still in primary school, but as he grew older his interests changed and he decided to pursue a career in science. He also saw a career in science as being a way in which he could benefit Māori people.

Stephen has a Science degree in genetics and microbiology from Massey University and is currently working towards an Arts degree in Māori Studies and Anthropology.

This article is based on information current in 2007.