Master's Thesis Scholarships - Reduce, reuse, repair

Applications are invited for two Research Master's Thesis Scholarships at either Massey University or University of Canterbury starting in February 2026. Research Scholarships are for a Marsden-funded project ‘Reduce, reuse, repair’. The successful candidates will work with Professor Kelly Dombroski (Massey University) and/or Dr Matthew Scobie (University of Canterbury), on a Marsden funded project, ‘Reduce, reuse, repair’. This research explores how community organisations help people to work together to move up the waste hierarchy and reduce waste. The successful candidates will focus on specific topics developed in partnership with Para Kore and Repair Network Aotearoa. Example topic areas proposed by community partners include: researching traditional repair or restoration practices in Te Ao Māori, the traditional design of everyday tools and equipment in relation to te taiao, contemporary responses and strategies for addressing wasteful product design from a Māori perspective, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi perspectives on equity in access to durable, repairable goods. This scholarship provides an exciting opportunity to contribute to meaningful research working in partnership with community organisations.