The University of Otago, led by Dr. Monica Tromp, and in partnership with a network of researchers including the Warinner Group, has been awarded an Endeavor Fund Smart Ideas grant from the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment. The project, entitled “Developing a minimally invasive species identification protocol for taonga tūturu“, will create a minimally invasive and inexpensive sampling technique to identify the animals used in manufacturing taonga tūturu, precious objects created by Māori artisans. This will substantially enhance the capabilities of the museum and heritage sector to find and engage meaningfully with the custodians of these taonga! Congratulations to the whole team!