The Antarctic Science Platform (ASP) is inviting expressions of interests (EOIs) to serve as the Research Programme Leader for the targeted research programme Tipuranga, which is the ASP's Mātauranga Māori Hoe (Māori Knowledge Programme). This is a 0.2FTE appointment through to 01 July 2030, within the ASP’s second phase of funding (2025 – 2032).

Antarctic Science Platform

The Antarctic Science Platform (ASP) is a Strategic Science Investment, funded by the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and hosted by Antarctica New Zealand. The Antarctic Science Platform involves Public Research Organisations, universities and independent researchers, and comprises a portfolio of research programmes that contribute to understanding Antarctica’s impact on the global earth system and how this might change in a +2°C (Paris agreement) world.

Tipuranga Programme Lead

Tipuranga is tasked with delivering a targeted programme of work focused on strengthening Māori leadership, participation and knowledge within Antarctic and Southern Ocean research. The programme has three interconnected workstreams:

1. Kaupapa Māori Research Programme

Implement and oversee a portfolio of kaupapa Māori research centered on the Antarctic and Southern Oceans, and built around one or more of the following research themes:

  • Whakapapa
  • Kaitiakitanga
  • Whanaungatanga
  • Rangatiratanga
  • Auahatanga

2. Māori Capability and Leadership Pathways

Advance Māori participation, capability and leadership in Antarctic and Southern Ocean research through end-to-end progression pathways.

3. Māori Knowledge Transfer and Communications

Coordinate tailored communications to support effective dissemination and transfer of ASP research to Māori communities and other audiences.

Role Purpose and Description

The Tipuranga Research Programme Lead provides strategic, operational, and kaupapa Māori leadership for the Antarctic Science Platform, coordinating implementation and delivery of the Programme’s key work-streams. The role ensures the development of a portfolio of kaupapa Māori research centred on the Antarctic and Southern Oceans, strengthens Māori participation, capability and leadership in the ASP, and coordinates effective knowledge transfer of ASP research iwi, hapū, whānau Māori and other audiences. Working closely with the Kaiārahi Rangahau Māori, Te Kāhui Māori, research partners and ASP leadership, the Programme Lead also supports plural knowledge and learning development opportunities with the ASP’s two core research programmes based in the terrestrial (‘Tiaki Whenua’) and marine (‘Tiaki Moana’) realms.

Download role description here.

Submission

Please submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) to scienceplatform@antarcticanz.govt.nz by 5pm on 18th of September 2026. Your submission should include:

  • A cover letter outlining what you would bring to the role and an acknowledgment:
    • that you have capacity to fully engage in this process;
    • that your employing organisation (if relevant) is supporting your EOI to serve in this Programme Leadership role.
  • A CV which includes section on research leadership and stakeholder engagement (you may use MBIE CV templates or another style) and include demonstrable examples of kaupapa Māori leadership, programme/research funding management, and Māori relationship capability

For more information about the role, please contact Delane Luke – Kaiārahi Rangahau Māori: D.Luke@antarcticanz.govt.nz