Maringi James
Maringi is currently pursuing a conjoint degree in a Bachelor of Laws, and Arts majoring in Māori Studies. Born and raised in New Zealand, Maringi chose Auckland Law School after a quick Google search confirmed it as the best university in Aotearoa. The strong presence of Ngā Tauira Māori further solidified her decision.
There are many aspects of my programme that are valuable to me, but my favourite will always be those moments when I learn about tikanga and better understand the legal challenges we, as Māori, are up against. It’s in those moments that I think… this is why I’m here.
Now in her third year, Maringi considers her biggest achievement to be pursuing half of her papers in Te Reo Māori. Although she initially chose to do half in English to prove to herself that she could excel in both languages, she now wishes she had taken on the full challenge in Te Reo. This endeavour has been both a personal challenge and a test for the faculty, who have had to adapt and find innovative solutions alongside her. Maringi encourages all tauira Māori who know Te Reo Māori to challenge the status quo too.
During her time at Waipapa Taumata Rau, Maringi has been actively involved in several clubs and extracurricular activities that reflect her interest in te ao Māori. Ngā Tauira Māori (NTM) has been a central part of her university life, providing a supportive environment filled with like-minded people. As the co-president of Te Rākau Ture this year, Maringi has deepened her understanding of what it means to be a Māori Law student and the responsibility of caring for Māori tauira at different stages of their te ao Māori journeys. Additionally, Maringi is a member of the Waka Ama club, which offers her a much-needed escape from studies and the dream of winning a free trip to Hawaii.
While she’s still deciding on her exact career path or future study plans, Maringi is certain that her future will centre around serving her Iwi. She is confident that the skills and knowledge she’s gaining will enable her to make a meaningful impact on the people she loves.
Navigating university life as a Māori student brings its unique set of challenges. Initially, Maringi struggled with feeling out of place in mainstream tutorials and was too reserved to ask questions in lectures. However, it was within the Māori Academic Programme (MAP) tutorials and Te Aka o Te Tui, the dedicated Māori Law study room, where she found a sense of belonging and support. The tailored academic support from MAP and the encouragement from the faculty to pursue her studies in Te Reo have enriched her experience at the university.