Story: Physics, chemistry and mathematics

Hemi Cumming, cancer-cure researcher

Hemi Cumming (of Ngāti Raukawa and Ngāti Toa) has carried out research into synthesising the chemical pateamine, a potential cancer drug. The chemical is obtained from a deep-water sponge, Mycale hentscheli, which is endemic to New Zealand. Cumming was featured on the programme Project Matauranga, on Māori involvement in science. The presenter, Dr Ocean Mercier (Ngāti Porou), teaches Te pūtaiao Māori/Māori science at Victoria University of Wellington. She was the first Māori woman to gain a PhD in physics.

Using this item

Scottie Productions

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Rebecca Priestley, 'Physics, chemistry and mathematics - New Zealand science strengths and challenges', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/video/43384/hemi-cumming-cancer-cure-researcher (accessed 2 May 2024)

Story by Rebecca Priestley, published 22 Oct 2014