Shannon Mihaere

In year 10, I attended the BEAMS programme, a Māori and Moana Oceania student-focused programme promoting study options to students - it was wonderful to travel to Auckland with other Māori students from my Kura to see the options available. Further Māori networks such as a whakapiki ake allowed me to consider my options at university more widely and land with the conjoint that best suited my interests. 

Through my conjoint in Health Science and Law, I can now analyse problems and envision pathways to solutions through a diverse and strengthened lens. I have been armed with the kupu (words) to understand better how to dismantle the structural, upstream factors contributing to poor health and justice outcomes for Māori and apply Matauranga Māori within these areas. 

While at law school, I joined the Auckland University Law Review, where I was challenged in my ability to provide feedback and consider legal issues. I also partook in mooting, where I was lucky enough to make the Social Issues Moot final and the IHL mooting team. I took every chance possible to dive deeper into te ao ture, and bringing those chances has helped me gain confidence in myself and my abilities. 

I found a home away from home at the law school within Te Rakau Ture (the Māori law students association), a ropu I’ve called whānau for the past few years. TRT has been a steady part of my time at law school, and is why I have continued on those hard days. Having a space to be Māori in a largely Tauiwi law school has been one of the most special experiences I’ve had the privilege of sharing. Having like-minded people who understand the realities of being Māori and at law school has helped ground me and provided immense support in the most challenging times. 

My advice to individuals considering studying would be that if you don’t feel ready, many certificate programmes are available that can help you ease your way into the tertiary environment. My foundation year enabled me to take flight at university while having the space and time to figure out where I saw myself flourishing. I appreciate the lessons I learned, and the year I spent in Hikitia Te Ora. There is a place for you at University. Whether you are first in your whanau or moving far from your Whenua, a Māori whanau is waiting with open arms. Nau mai haere mai ki Waipapa Taumata rau!