DoctorEssie Van Zuylen

This iwi-led programme establishes Aotearoa’s first locally produced natural mushroom extracts for clinical research, making innovative addiction treatments more accessible and affordable while building Māori capability in advanced biotechnology. The Challenge and Opportunity: Methamphetamine addiction causes significant harm in Māori communities. Recent clinical trials show that psychedelic-assisted therapy delivered in marae-based settings is highly promising for treatment. However, imported mushroom extracts cost $250–300 per dose, limiting further research and treatment development. By developing iwi-led local production capability, costs can be reduced by 60–70%, while upholding the mana of tangata whenua and the mauri of taonga species and creating economic opportunities in a growing global sector. The Science: This programme translates cultivation and pharmaceutical science into practical production methods. Researchers will refine cultivation techniques for native Psilocybe species, standardise extraction protocols, use advanced analytical tools (LC-MS, HPLC) to measure active compounds, conduct toxicology and stability testing, and work with Medsafe to establish regulatory standards. The outcome will be research-grade products ready for Phase II clinical trials in marae-based settings. The Team: Māori community researchers from the exiting Tū Wairua project will lead this initiative, supported by the PHF Science, Rua Bioscience, the Bioeconomy Science Institute, and the University of Canterbury. The programme trains Māori practitioners in specialist skills including cultivation science, analytical chemistry, and pharmaceutical product development. Expected Benefits: Immediate benefits include research-grade products, regulatory guidance, trained personnel, and affordable continuation of clinical trials. Medium-term outcomes include foundations for iwi-owned enterprises supplying research markets. Long-term, the project enables affordable access to culturally appropriate treatments, Māori participation in the global psychedelic medicine sector, export opportunities, and strengthened indigenous capability in high-value biotechnology—connecting community wellbeing with economic development, scientific innovation, and rangatiratanga over taonga species.