麻豆传媒团队

Why did you choose your areas of study?

I want to apply a holistic approach to the practice of psychology, bridging the gap between M膩ori communities and mental health services, as well as addressing health disparities using M膩ori tikanga and practices.

I feel there is a lack of wahine M膩ori psychologists, so I want to do my part in pursuing this kaupapa to lift my wh膩nau and the people around me, ensuring M膩ori mana motuhake.

听

How do you see your degree enabling you to make an impact?

Psychology under Arts is such a diverse degree; there are so many pathways that it can offer, whether it be in research, health care, wellbeing, or more. It broadens my perspective of human connection, interaction, and behaviour in society. I love connecting with and being an advocate for people. For me, psychology is all about the people.

听

Did you receive any UC scholarships?

I received the Takere scholarship alongside 50 other first-year M膩ori and Pacific students. It gave us a head start on adjusting to the university lifestyle, living together in the halls and getting quality time with lecturers and UC development teams. The bond I created with these awesome people was amazing.

It was such an incredible opportunity, and I'm still so grateful for it. It uplifted me and made me feel stronger in my cultural identity. I wouldn't be where I am today without it.

听

Are you involved with any clubs at UC?

I鈥檓 co-president of Te Akatoki, which delivers social, cultural, and academic support to M膩ori students at UC. We work closely with the UC M膩ori development team, UCSA, and the University to ensure that M膩ori voices are represented in the decisions that shape student life and university culture.

We also run things like tutoring sessions, kapa haka, and social events. It鈥檚听a real wh膩nau, and it is literally a home away from home for some people,听especially those that aren鈥檛 from 艑tautahi.

听

How have you found UC鈥檚 M膩ori community?

Coming into university, it's really important to find your people, your听second wh膩nau, your home away from home. As M膩ori, coming together听and uplifting each other is what strengthens us as people. There is听honestly so much support and aroha through Te Akatoki and UC M膩ori.听They believe in you, and they want to see you fly.

Through these spaces, I've been both teina and tu膩kana, helping other听young M膩ori feel confident in themselves and their cultural identity and听providing the support for them to become the best versions of themselves听and be unapologetically M膩ori.

听

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Christchurch is such a perfect place for students. We have the hills, the听moana, a modern city. It provides that balance of social life and study. In听the summer, you鈥檒l usually find my friends and I out at the bays. I love听road tripping, travelling, and definitely eating. Christchurch has some听great places in the city for kai.

听

How have you grown since starting at UC?

What's helped me grow as a person and a young wahine M膩ori is saying听yes to things, putting my hand up for opportunities that come my way,听and stepping outside of my comfort zone.

I think I've also grown by making mistakes. I believe I'm a developing听leader, and you can't develop if you don鈥檛 make mistakes along the way.听That's how you learn and become better.

听

Why is it important for you to say yes to opportunities?

I want to be a role model for my younger siblings. I want them to step听outside of their comfort zone. And that's not going to happen if I'm not听doing it myself and showing them what鈥檚 possible. Taking the听opportunities UC provides has allowed me to challenge myself, better听myself, and be an advocate for future students.

听

Any advice for other students considering UC?

It's okay if you feel overwhelmed with the whole idea of university.听It's okay to feel confused or lost. We've got you.