About SING Aotearoa

The Summer internship for Indigenous peoples in Genomics - Aotearoa was developed through the support of a Vision Mātauranga Capability Fund project called 'Te Waka o Tama-rereti'.  The project was led by the University of Waikato, with support from the University of Auckland, the University of Otago, Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga Māori Centre of Research Excellence, as well as the Biological Heritage and Science for Technological Innovation National Science Challenges.  SING Aotearoa is now one of the key capacity building initiatives supported by Genomics Aotearoa.

What is it?

The SING Aotearoa keystone event is a week-long residential internship wānanga programme which provides participants with knowledge and experience in wet-labs (biological samples, DNA), dry labs (computer analysis, biostatistics) and simulation labs (cultural and ethical scenarios). Participants who are accepted into the programme are expected to remain in the programme for the entire week. 

Who can apply?

There are 15 fully funded internship positions (NZ travel and accommodation are paid for), with places for a maximum of 20 participants. 

The programme is open to Māori (tauira wānanga, kaitiaki, kaipakihi) wanting to better understand the opportunities and challenges associated with genomic research as well as key technical, cultural and ethical issues. 

We encourage applications from University students in any discipline as well as people with a strong Iwi, community or business background. An understanding of genetics is useful but not necessary for attendance in this programme. 

Why attend?

In recent years there has been significant advances in the fields of genetics and genomics and an increasing focus on Māori populations and indigenous species. 

All research conducted in Aotearoa New Zealand should involve consultation with Iwi/Māori, it is important we understand enough about the technical, ethical and cultural issues to engage in robust discussions during that process. The SING Aotearoa programme allows development of understanding alongside some of the best researchers in New Zealand.