Wairaamia

Why did you choose your areas of study?

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

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

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.

Did you receive any UC scholarships?

I received the Takere scholarship alongside 50 other first-year Māori 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.

Are you involved with any clubs at UC?

I’m co-president of Te Akatoki, which delivers social, cultural, and academic support to Māori students at UC. We work closely with the UC Māori development team, UCSA, and the University to ensure that Māori 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’s a real whānau, and it is literally a home away from home for some people, especially those that aren’t from Ōtautahi.

How have you found UC’s Māori community?

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

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

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

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

How have you grown since starting at UC?

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

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

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 outside of their comfort zone. And that's not going to happen if I'm not doing it myself and showing them what’s possible. Taking the opportunities UC provides has allowed me to challenge myself, better myself, and be an advocate for future students.

Any advice for other students considering UC?

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