Tā te Heamana | Message from Professor Anthony Hōete FRSNZ
Co-Convenor for Māori knowledge and development, Academy Executive Committee
Tēnā koutou e ngā Whai Mātau o te Society,
As we move through this wā o te tau, we are reminded that our work as Fellows is part of a longer whakapapa of inquiry and stewardship – one that connects us to global networks of knowledge as well as to the communities we serve here in Aotearoa. This spirit of whanaungatanga will be at the heart of the upcoming Tri‑Academy Summit in Canberra, held from 18–20 November 2026. Three Fellows from each of the partnering academies — the Australian Academy of Science, Royal Society of Canada, and Royal Society Te Apārangi — will gather, supported by observers from across the three organisations. The Summit provides an opportunity to strengthen the relationships that bind our academies, to share mātauranga and disciplinary insights, and to explore how collective leadership can uplift global responses to the challenges facing people and planet. It is a moment to bring a distinctly Aotearoa voice — grounded in partnership, equity, and Indigenous knowledge — to the international table.
Our national whakapapa of excellence was also evident in the recent work of the Fellow Selection Committee. This year, we received 127 applications, a testament to the breadth and vitality of research across Aotearoa New Zealand. Of these, 43 candidates were shortlisted for full consideration, resulting in the election of 20 new Fellows and one Honorary Fellow. This rigorous process reflects the value our Society places on mana – on demonstrating expertise, integrity, and enduring contribution. We extend our warmest mihi to those selected and acknowledge the dedicated mahi of the Selection Committee, who carry significant responsibility in upholding the standards and mana of our Fellowship. Their deliberations ensure that the Academy continues to reflect leaders whose work influences not only academic fields but also the wider wellbeing of our communities.
As we look ahead to the next phase of the year, we again call on the strength of our networks. The deadline for nominations for the Society’s 22 medals and awards falls at the end of March, and we encourage Fellows to identify those in your domains whose work embodies innovation, excellence, or cultural and societal impact. Nominating our colleagues is an expression of manaakitanga – it is a way of uplifting others and recognising contributions that might otherwise remain unheard. These awards play a crucial role in shaping the future landscape of research in Aotearoa, ensuring that excellence is celebrated across disciplines, generations, and communities. By putting forward outstanding researchers, you help strengthen the diversity, depth, and dynamism of the Society’s honours.
Further ahead, applications for Ngā Takahoa a Te Apārangi – Companions of the Society close at the end of April. Established in 1997, this honour recognises individuals who have offered outstanding leadership or eminent service in promoting and advancing science, technology, or the humanities in Aotearoa New Zealand. Companionship acknowledges those whose contributions extend beyond research alone – those who serve as kaitiaki of knowledge, who build pathways for others, and who shape national conversations in ways that uphold the public good. We encourage Fellows to reflect on those within your communities who embody these qualities of rangatiratanga and long-term service. Supporting a nomination is another way of honouring the values at the heart of our Academy: excellence, integrity, connection, and care for future generations.
Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini.
Our collective strength lies in the many, not the few.
We thank you for your ongoing contributions to this shared endeavour.
Enjoy the new academic year: my learning has just begun once again!
Ngā mihi nui,
Anthony Hōete FRSNZ, Registered Architect.