Maddy Holland

Delving deeper
“I loved studying political science and sociology in my undergraduate years but wanted to delve deeper into aspects of my bachelors programme – specifically human rights and indigenous rights. This is what led me to the Master of Global Studies programme at the University of Auckland.
“I chose to study here as I had always had my eye on Global Studies and was elated to hear that I was able to enrol when the masters programme was announced.
“Studying what you love will ensure motivation and drive the whole way through. I am writing my thesis on a topic very close to my heart and I continue to be so passionate about what I research.
My focus
“I am specifically focusing on Indigenous studies within the Global Studies programme. My thesis is called ‘Not Brown Enough: A Critical Autoethnographic Memoir on the Complexities of the Phenomenon of White Passing in Aotearoa New Zealand and Globally’. It is a study on white-passing indigenous and coloured people both locally and globally and the complexities that come with cultural acceptance when the colour of your skin does not match your ethnicity.
“At postgraduate level, study is much more self-led, and it is up to you what you study, your schedule and who you work with. I loved how small my classes were; it allowed for incredible discussion with both professors and students, opened my eyes to a heap of different perspectives, and widened the scope of my knowledge.
Enhanced depth
“There is also more depth to the research, and I love how I was able to cover a vast number of subjects and topics throughout my research journey. The work is incredibly rewarding.
“During my programme, there was so much support; my supervisors were always open to meeting and helping me, and I attended a lot of Faculty of Arts events.
“I am currently working in politics, and I would love to carry on this political journey while in New Zealand. In a few years’ time I plan to move overseas to pursue work in the Human Rights sector.”