Joseph Potangaroa

I am a kaitiaki of the Ngati Hamua hapu and Rangitane o Wairarapa. Trained by kaumatua in Wairarapa history, tikanga, taiao and tangata/whanau. Then encouraged to keep learning and sharing. My additional interest in people and places has led to wider research on the history of the Wairarapa Region.
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Joseph Potangaroa

Kia ora my name is Joseph.

My mum is from England. She has English, Romany and Irish ancestry. My dad is Ngati Kahungunu, Tuhoe, Te Arawa and with a Prussian ancestor. I am a whangai of Rangitane o Wairarapa and Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairarapa through my adopted dad who raised me and also married my maternal grandmother my dear nan/mum. I grew up on Te Ahipanepane kainga at Te Ore Ore, Masterton. My wife Michelle and I live in Masterton. We have six children, two moko’s and five “son n laws”.

I am a writer, researcher, storyteller who loves wondering around and delighting in the wonders of nature. Also try to help her out too.

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Joseph Potangaroa

we are a team of scientists and science communicators
WE DO FIELD WORK THAT IS ACCESSIBLE TO ANYONE ​

Some of the things we talk about
2025 After Dark aquaculture asteroids astronomy bees biodiversity biosecurity birds bugs bush citizen science climate change Conservation earthquakes Ecology fossils freshwater freshwater ecology geography geology intelligence international security kaitiakitanga Kapiti Macroinvertebrates marine life marine pests identificaiton Mars Matariki Moana Moon Native Plant Restoration nature Navigation NCEA oceans Papa Taiao Earthcare Paua rocks space Underwater drone upcoming Wairarapa water quality

We grew up outside, connected with the nature and believe that our kids should go outside too.

Here, at Field-based STEM, we are all working as a big team. Tap into our collective expertise.  

"Unlike scientific community programmes that are expensive and require lots of investment, field work is done by individuals and is accessible to anyone. The skills gained during field work open up a huge area for everyone undertaking it."

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