About this research
Awardee: Dan Hikuroa (Tainui, Ngati Maniapoto, Te Arawa), University of Auckland
The Awardee will undertake the Whakaaweawe Impact and Transformation Grant titled Te Waharoa Hīnātore.
Light has always carried meaning. Hīnātore, the soft glow found against Ranginui’s chest, in te moana whitiwhiti a Tangaroa, and sheltered within te wao nui a Tane, connects people to story, place and imagination. For Māori, hīnātore is both a physical phenomenon and a spiritual presence, embodied as an atua, whose light guides, inspires, and sustains connection between people, whenua and the cosmos.
This project continues that legacy by creating Te Waharoa Hīnātore, a bioluminescent gateway to be unveiled during Matariki 2026 in Tāmaki Makaurau. Passing by or beneath the luminous waharoa will invite the public into a space where science, mātauranga Māori and mahi toi converge. Beyond the waharoa, participants’ glowing microbial artworks will form a constellation of living light, reflecting collective imagination and community voice.
The project has three aims:
- To design and create a glowing waharoa.
- To hold workshops where participants can create glowing microbial artworks.
- To share knowledge through a public facing booklet and a scholarly article about bioluminescence in te ao Māori.
Kairangahau · Researchers
Dr Daniel Hikuroa
Ngāti Maniapoto, Tainui, Te Arawa
Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland
Dr Daniel (Dan) Hikuroa is an Earth Systems Scientists who integrates mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) and science to…
Dr Daniel Hikuroa
Dr Daniel (Dan) Hikuroa is an Earth Systems Scientists who integrates mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) and science to realise the dreams and aspirations of the communities he works with. He is an established world expert on integrating indigenous knowledge and science and has undertaken many projects including co-writing the 2014 State of the Hauraki Gulf Environment Report, geothermal developments, co-writing iwi environmental management plans, hazard and vulnerability assessments and industrial waste rehabilitation. Dan was the Research Director for Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga from July 2011…
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