Te hā o te rākau: Native Plant Bioactives for Sustainable Berry Preservation

Overview

This PhD project explores how taonga plants can shape future food systems by extending the freshness of berries through natural bioactive compounds. Kawakawa (Piper excelsum) and horopito (Pseudowintera colorata) are Aotearoa native species with rich histories of use in rongoā Māori. Their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties offer exciting potential as sustainable alternatives to synthetic preservatives.

You will investigate how extracts from these plants can be developed into edible coatings to reduce spoilage and food waste. The research will progress through three stages:

• characterising bioactive compounds
• developing encapsulated formulations to improve stability and release
• testing coatings on fresh berries for shelf-life and sensory outcomes.

Encapsulation and synergy studies will reveal how these compounds interact to enhance function.

The project will weave mātauranga Māori with food science, using wānanga and tikanga to guide plant use and ensure research integrity. You will gain experience in bioactive chemistry, food formulation, postharvest testing, and tikanga Māori research methods. Supported by an interdisciplinary supervisory team, you will also connect with growers, industry partners, and the Food Transitions 2050 cohort.

This PhD will suit a motivated student interested in sustainable food innovation, Indigenous knowledge, and the science of bioactives.

Value

The scholarship includes an annual tax-free stipend of $32,650 p.a. (paid in fortnightly instalments) plus tuition fees, for three years.

Closing date

31 January 2026

Selection criteria

The student must meet the entry requirements for a doctoral programme at Lincoln University without any bridging programmes required.

Availability

The student must be domiciled in the Canterbury region for the duration of their PhD. 

The scholarship will begin on July 1, 2026, but the selection process will be completed in February 2026.

Further information and how to apply

This is a Food Transitions 2050 scholarship. The Food Transitions 2050 website has further information about how to apply:

Available PhD Positions — Food Transitions 2050 website

For further information about the Joint Postgraduate School Food Transitions 2050 initiative, please see:

Joint Postgraduate School: Food Transitions 2050

For overseas applicants

For overseas applicants, please visit Immigration New Zealand website to review the latest health and visa requirements for visiting and working in New Zealand. 

Note that PhD degrees in NZ are research-only degrees usually lasting three years (i.e. there is no course-work component).