Wintec welcomes researchers from across New Zealand for two-day symposium
Wintec was a hub for vocational research and innovation last week, hosting the 2025 North Island Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITP) Rangahau and Research Symposium.
Dr Peter Maulder, Wintec Kaihautū Rangahau and Research Office Senior Strategist, delivers the event's day one keynote address.
Designed to highlight the depth and diversity of research happening within Aotearoa New Zealand’s vocational education sector, the event welcomed researchers, educators, innovators, and community leaders from across the country.
The event’s Chairperson, Jonathon Ryan, Wintec Research Operations Manager, was delighted with how the event went.
“The symposium was a fantastic platform for researchers to showcase their mahi and receive feedback from peers,” said Jonathon.
“It was a proud moment, being a part of an event showcasing the breadth of research taking place, not only at Wintec, but across the vocational education sector. From presentations and exhibitions on engineering, applied science and primary industries to sustainability, language and culture, there was plenty for people to see and learn about.”
This year’s programme included 113 presentations, including regular papers, panel discussions, creative showcases, and interactive sessions highlighting research from Wintec staff, postgraduate ākonga (students), and attendees who travelled from as far away as Dunedin.
Researchers attending the symposium event break for discussion at The Atrium, Wintec
Leading Wintec researchers and keynote speakers, Dr Peter Maulder and Dr Matthew Bannister, were a key drawcard for those who attended the two-day event.
A dynamic Māori research leader, Peter (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Pāhauwera) is Kaihautū Rangahau and Research Office Senior Strategist at Wintec.
Dr Peter Maulder delivers his keynote: “The Research and Rangahau Journey: From Lone Wolf to Guardian Wolf”
As the event’s day one speaker, his address, “The Research and Rangahau Journey: From Lone Wolf to Guardian Wolf”, blended pūrākau (traditional Māori oral narratives), humour, wānanga and more than 20 years of academic excellence to reframe research as a journey of identity, collaboration, and kaitiakitanga (Māori concept of guardianship).
Day two speaker, Matthew, is a Postgraduate Theory Supervisor in Media Arts at Wintec.
Dr Matthew Bannister, Wintec Postgraduate Theory Supervisor in Media Arts, delivers the event's day two keynote: Life imitating art: Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Tom Phillips and NZ identity
An acclaimed media arts scholar and author, his presentation explored how real-life events and iconic films like Hunt for the Wilderpeople blur the lines between fiction and reality in Aotearoa New Zealand, revealing deeper insights into cultural identity, representation, and the stories that shape New Zealanders.
The Wintec-hosted symposium was part of a nationwide week of events, concluding last week, with multiple strands, including a virtual event, Pacific Stream, and an in-person event hosted by Otago Polytechnic in Dunedin.
