Sir Hugh 
Kawharu Foundation

Lomia Quinn (Ngāti Hauā)

Masters of Science (Research) in Environmental Sciences

Lomia Quinn is the recipient of the Sir Hugh Kawharu Masters Scholarship for Innovation in Science for the 2025 academic year. Lomia says, “In my early twenties I realised a passion for the environment and the duty we have as humans to care for the land and the living things that share this planet with us. This realisation led me to tertiary study, and I have now graduated from the University of Waikato having undertaken a Bachelor of Science with a major in Environmental Sciences and a minor in Ecology and Biodiversity. I am currently undertaking a Master of Science (Research) in Environmental Sciences at the University of Waikato, where in my research I hope to blend both Western Science techniques and Mātauranga Māori in investigating the mighty tōtara tree. My thesis is guided by the whakataukī  “E kore te tōtara e tū noa i te pārae engari me tū i roto it e wao-nui-a-tāne” or “The tōtara tree does not stand alone in the field, but stands within the great forest of Tāne”. The implications of this project include research exemplifying success in working at the interface between Western Science and Indigenous Knowledge, and investigation into the C sequestration potential of one of our key taonga species. Ultimately I plan to continue on to complete a PhD in natural sciences and hope to take part in international collaborations regarding climate change and the interface between Western Science and Indigenous Knowledge.”

Foundation chair Amokura Kawharu says, “Lomia is an outstanding example of the future leadership the Kawharu Foundation wants to support. She is articulate, brave and humble. Her research tackles problems from dual Western and indigenous science disciplines, enriching both for the benefit of everyone.”