Tēnā koutou katoa
Ko Mauao te maunga
Ko Tauranga te moana
Ko Mātaatua te waka
Ko Ngāiterangi, Waikato Tainui me Ngāi Tahu ngā iwi
Ko Ngāi Tuwhiwhia me Ngāti Tapu ngā hapū
Ko Saffron Stanley tōku ingoa
I am in my final year at Waipapa Taumata Rau, studying for a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Criminology. I've always known that my call to action was to play a part in addressing inequities faced by Māori. I was specifically drawn to research after having the privilege of working on a research project through the university this summer, which opened my eyes to the potential within the research realm to offer meaningful contributions and spark changes to areas in desperate need of insight and reform for Māori, by Māori.
To me, a flourishing 2050 for Māori is underscored by the overall aspiration of mana motuhake, where our aspirations, needs, culture, and whānau networks are nurtured and met through Māori-led kaupapa. I envision a future where we are protected, heard, and empowered in all areas. I hope to contribute to such aspirations by working on Māori-led research, and I am humbled and excited to be a part of this project with Whakauae.
