Vercoe’s groundbreaking research, ‘Adaptations of Marae for Natural Hazards Resilience’, has earned him the prestigious 2025 New Zealand Esri Young Scholar Award, sponsored by Eagle Technology. The award recognises emerging researchers using GIS (or Geographic Information Systems) and spatial science to address real-world challenges.

My hope is that this research strengthens recognition of marae contributions and leads to greater government support for marae infrastructure and climate resilience.

His research underlines the vital role marae already play in response, recovery and relief efforts during natural disasterssuch as the Canterbury earthquakes and Cyclone Gabrielle.

“Indigenous populations, including Māori, are disproportionately affected by natural hazards and climate change,” he says.“Marae open their doors at their own expense to support not just their people, but the wider community.

“My hope is that this research strengthens recognition of marae contributions and leads to greater government support for marae infrastructure and climate resilience. They already do a tremendous job – imagine what more could be achieved with proper resourcing.”

Sharing Māori solutions with the world

Vercoe says taking this kaupapa to an international audience was “deeply meaningful”.

“Representing our whānau, hapū, iwi and marae on the global stage was a privilege and an opportunity to share the uniqueness of our culture with the world. From my perspective, this award is from and for the people. Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini.”

At the Esri User Conference, Vercoe presented a poster on his research and connected with Indigenous communities and GIS leaders worldwide. He also explored emerging applications of GIS, including artificial intelligence for faster, more accurate spatial analysis.

Recent milestones in his work include:

• Completion of a national marae multi-hazard exposure assessment
• Publication of a journal article on culturally grounded engagement with Te Arawa marae
• Research cited in the Waitangi Tribunal Climate Change Inquiry (Wai 3325)
• Continued advancement of community-led, culturally informed resilience research

Vercoe attributes his research approach to his upbringing.

“My time in kōhanga reo and kura kaupapa Māori taught me simple but powerful lessons – like mihi to the hau kāinga, doing karakia, taking kai and koha to hui, and understanding tikanga around when to talk, when to listen, and even the importance of ‘tea-towel-tanga’,” he says.

“Being a pā kid has shaped my ability to engage meaningfully with marae, which has been central to the success of this project.”