Dr Erica Williams

Erica Williams (Te Arawa, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Pikiao, Te Whānau ā Apanui) joined NIWA in 1995 and has been a member of Te Kūwaha team since its inception.

Erica has an extensive research career that began with a MSc from the University of Waikato, where she developed a blue mussel embryo-larval toxicity test, she then pursued a PhD at the University of Auckland examining the impact of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on shellfish. Erica has played a significant role in supporting the research aspirations of whānau, hapū, and iwi, during her almost 30-year career at NIWA, particularly in the freshwater space. She is a key member of the Te Kūwaha leadership team and has led/s several large MBIE-funded Māori centres research programme;

• Nga Kete o te wananga - Ngā Kete o te Wānanga: Mātauranga, Science and Freshwater Management | NIWA
• Cultural Keystone Species (CKS) - Cultural Keystone Species | NIWA
• Toitū te Taonga Wai Māori

As a Principal Scientist, Erica plays a crucial role in promoting high standards of quality, excellence, and innovation in NIWA's scientific endeavors, particularly within the Māori Environmental Research sector. She is while dedicated to developing the capacity, capability and culture of NIWAs Māori research team.