In early March, Whakauae Research Services extended an invitation to Dr Billy van Uitregt to visit our offices. Billy is a lecturer at the School of Geography, Environmental and Earth Science, Victoria University. Born and raised in Australia he completed a PhD in Evolutionary Ecology in 2012, a Graduate Certificate in International Relations (2017) and more recently in 2020, a Masters of Indigenous Studies (Distinction). Billy is interested in how Māori and Indigenous voices, worldviews and knowledges are represented in contemporary environmental science, policy and governance; the tensions this creates; and the social and environmental outcomes this achieves. Billy has whakapapa to Ngā Rauru, Te Ātihaunui -a- Pāpārangi, Ngai Tuhoe and is Dutch on his Dad's side. He recently bought a house in Whanganui where he has reconnected with his Te Kura, Pirikahu and Te Huna whānau and Whanganui's academic community. Billy is a regular addition to Whakauae daily coffee breaks.
