Discovery - Unstoppable: Kura Paul-Burke

This week, how Māori marine scientist Kura-Paul Burke is combining indigenous knowledge with marine science to save the oceans that are so integral to her heritage.

Growing up in 1970s New Zealand, Kura-Paul Burke faced stigma due to her Māori roots. But, after finding herself studying marine science as an adult, Kura leaned on her heritage to take on a problem where many had already failed: restoring a lost population of precious, green-lipped mussels. Discover how Māori ancestresses, tribal elders and centuries-old knowledge inspired the ingenious methods of Aotearoa's first female Māori professor of marine science.

(Photo: Dr Kura Paul-Burke in a vessel at sea. She has long grey hair and is smiling, with waves in the background and a rocky landmass. Credit: Dr Kura Paul-Burke)

Producer/presenter: Ella Hubber and Julia Ravey
Assistant producer: Sophie Ormiston, Anna Charalambou and Josie Hardy
Sound engineer: Ella Roberts
Production co-ordinator: Ishmael Soriano
Editor: Holly Squire

Published on Monday, 28th April 2025.

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