Pūtahi Manawa Inaugural Summer Research Awards Celebrate Māori and Pacific Excellence

This summer, Pūtahi Manawa proudly presented its inaugural Kura Raumati and Fatu Malosi Summer Research Awards. A new initiative, created to recognise and celebrate the outstanding work of students who completed summer research projects.

Over the summer months in Aotearoa, 40 Māori and Pacific students dedicated their time and energy to research that contributes to stronger, healthier futures for our communities. Working alongside experienced mentors, they explored important questions in cardiovascular health, equity and community wellbeing.

The Awards recognise those who truly embodied the values of Pūtahi Manawa — through integrity, compassion, innovation, and leadership, and were presented by Dr Allamanda Fa’atoese, Deputy-Chair of the Pūtahi Manawa Pacific Leadership Team and Professor Julian Paton, Pūtahi Manawa founding Co-Director.

Professor Paton said that being accepted onto the Kura Raumati or Fatu Malosi programme was no small achievement and therefore all students should be proud of themselves. 

“I’ve been completely impressed by every single presentation that I have attended over the last two days”, said Paton.

Dr Allamanda acknowledged the importance of supervisors for the success of both programmes and the inaugural Awards 

“Thank you to all the supervisors who took the time to nominate their student. Supervisor insight and support are invaluable in highlighting the exceptional talent, dedication, and impact of our students.” – Dr Fa’atoese.

The prizes were selected intentionally and made by local artists. The Kura Raumati prize was a Pekapeka (bat) necklace by Te Arawa, Te Ati Awa artist, Kereama Taepa. The pekapeka is a powerful symbol of duality and inseparability in Te Ao Māori, and is the Pūtahi Manawa tohu (symbol). The symmetrical sides of the pekapeka create balance, which in this case represents the inseparable nuances between science and culture, the respiratory and circulatory systems, and our health system and communities. 

The Fatu Malosi prizes were from a Tongan vendor in South Auckland and featured different animals of significance to the people, land, and sea of the Pacific Islands.

We are incredibly proud of all our summer researchers. The inaugural awards mark the beginning of what we hope will become a valued tradition; one that honours excellence, nurtures emerging talent, and acknowledges the important contribution our students make to advancing heart health for our communities.