Marae are often on the front line of natural disasters, opening their doors to shelter the community and at times hit hard by floods themselves.
PhD researcher Haukapuanui Vercoe was recently recognised with the 2025 New Zealand Esri Young Scholar Award.
Vercoe represented Aotearoa at the Esri User Conference in San Diego, showcasing how indigenous knowledge and technology can work together to strengthen marae, whānau, hapū, and iwi resilience against natural hazards.
He talks to Susie from his home in Rotorua.
Cyclone recovery at Hinemihi Marae, Wairoa Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
