Professor Matamua is one of the country’s most respected academics in the fields of Māori astronomy and star lore. He is widely known for being the driving force behind Matariki being recognised as a public holiday.
“This award recognises Professor Matamua’s significant contribution to raising the profile of Māori astronomy, particularly Matariki, in Aotearoa New Zealand,” says Chancellor John Allen.
“His work is highly influential in both academic and non-academic realms, and the public has benefited greatly from his willingness to share his research with a range of communities.
“His remarkable contributions make him a fitting recipient of an Honorary Doctorate.”
Professor Matamua chairs the Matariki Advisory Group, which provides advice to the Government around Matariki, and in 2022 was appointed as chief advisor to the Government on Matariki. It is this work that led to Matariki being recognised as a public holiday.
The University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Nic Smith says Professor Matamua’s research has helped ensure that traditional Māori knowledge is not lost.
“Professor Matamua is one of Aotearoa’s leading science communicators. Through his scholarship and engagement, he has transformed our understanding of Māori astronomy and raised the profile and value of mātauranga Māori.”
Professor Matamua is an alumnus of Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, where he completed a Bachelor of Arts with Honours and Master of Arts. He then went on to complete a Doctor of Philosophy (Māori Studies) at Massey University, before moving to the University of Waikato, where he became Professor of Māori and Indigenous Studies.
He is currently Professor of Mātauranga Māori at Massey University’s Te Pūtahi-a-Toi—School of Māori Knowledge.
Professor Matamua is passionate about sharing his knowledge with a range of communities around Aotearoa New Zealand. He is known for communicating his research in an extremely accessible way, including through his engaging and informative social media posts. He also travels extensively around the country giving public lectures about Matariki and Māori astronomy.
Professor Matamua has also contributed significantly to the public’s knowledge and understanding of the importance of te reo Māori through his research into Māori language development and revitalisation.
Professor Matamua’s Honorary Doctorate is the latest in a series of accolades he has received in recognition of his research and public engagement. He was the recipient of the 2019 Prime Minister’s Science Communication Prize, which saw him become the first Māori scientist to be awarded the prize. He was named New Zealander of the Year in the 2023 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards, and was appointed an Officer of New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori astronomy in the 2023 New Year Honours.