Alix
(Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi)
Bachelor of Arts majoring in Māori & Indigenous Studies
Hometown: Christchurch
Why did you choose Māori & Indigenous Studies?
As a Māori myself, it’s something I’m passionate about. I’d really like to work with the Māori community and give back to my people. If my people aren't thriving, I'm not thriving.
Did you receive any first-year scholarships?
The Takere scholarship enabled me to stay in the halls for five weeks prior to starting uni. I got to live on campus, learn the uni system, and made a heap of friends. It was a great opportunity to ease the transition. I also received the UC Hiranga scholarship.
UC Māori hold scholarship sessions where they offer all kinds of support for students looking to apply for scholarships. It’s really helpful, and I highly recommend using it.
What’s been your favourite part of your time at UC?
The highlight so far has been the connections I’ve made through my scholarships, not only with my cohort, but also with all the other UC Māori staff and the Pacific Development Team. We have scholarship-related events throughout the year and it's nice to see their faces on a regular basis.
Speaking of UC Māori, what role have they played in your uni experience?
I had met some UC Māori staff through high school visits and the Aukaha programme. It made the transition way easier, and it was a big source of comfort knowing I already had a space where people knew who I was.
UC Māori is really special to me because their presence and support lets me be unapologetically Māori. It’s not just a surface level relationship. They support me throughout everything, and it makes it feel like home.
I spend most of my time in Te Ao Marama, where UC Māori is based. I like studying there, and it’s where I have my weekly hui with my Kaiurungi. It’s a really nice environment to be in. It's a good vibe.
Have you found it easy to make friends at UC?
I found my people in UC Māori, and it’s made me feel super comfortable and at ease. There are so many ways to meet people. I would recommend joining clubs because they’re a great way to connect with people that are interested in the same thing is you.
It’s easy to find your people here. There are so many students, from all walks of life, that you’ll be able to find your community.
Do you use any UC resources for academic support?
I highly recommend the Academic Skills Centre – they’re so helpful. They have dedicated people for different faculties. They’ll check your work, but they also provide workshops and consultations for things like essay tips, how to do references, and all those little things that improve your work.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I started doing kapa haka when I was seven, and I’ve been doing it ever since. After leaving kura I joined Te Ahikaaroa, a local kapa haka roopu, and I absolutely love it. Kapa haka has always been around me, and it's something that just instantly makes me feel better.
Through things like kapa haka and other Māori events or kaupapa throughout the year, it's normal to see people from campus or UC Māori around Christchurch, and it's nice to have people from my uni life in my home life as well.
What do you like about living in Christchurch?
I love swimming in the summer, especially at Corsair Bay. It’s probably the best place to swim in Christchurch because it's just beautiful. It’s like its own little private bay with a place you can jump off, and a pontoon and grassy area.
How have you seen yourself grow since you started at UC?
I've grown academically, but I've also improved as a person. I’m so confident now, and I love it here. It was never an option to study anywhere else because UC seemed like the most obvious choice. No regrets!
Any words of advice for other students considering UC?
Even if you're not from here, you will find a community that you fit in with. It's going to be fun, and sometimes a little scary, but you’re going to be alright if you come to UC.
