John Pirker
Dr John Pirker is of Ngāi Tahu, Te Ātiawa and Ngāti Porou descent, and a member of Te Rūnanga o Moeraki. He is a scientist and lecturer in Biological Sciences and Indigenous Knowledge at the University of Canterbury. His research focus is driven by kaupapa research methodologies that includes sand beach, estuary and rocky reef ecology, primarily focused on taonga species ecology, including growth, mortality and enhancement and recovery of pāua (Haliotis iris), pūpū (Lunella smaragdus) and tuangi (Austrovenus stutchburyi) and biogenic habitats that support the nearshore ecosystem. The application of mātauranga Māori in science is an important aspect to both his teaching and research.
Inspired to get into science by his Ngāi Tahu kaumātua, Dr Pirker is passionate about creating opportunities for rangatahi, especially in science. He is a co-founder of – a partnership between UC’S College of Science and several Canterbury secondary schools, aimed at encouraging Māori secondary school students into science at university. The programme engages Year 10 Māori students in the culture of science by involving them in real-world scientific research. The scheme is already changing lives and encouraging rangatahi to consider new pathways for their future.
Dr Pirker is also involved in the Ngāi Tahu Consultation and Engagement Group (NTCEG) and the Marine Ecology Research Group (MERG).
