Mia-Mae Tobias Stevens – Academic Engagement Adviser
Mia-Mae likens her role at Waipapa Taumata Rau to the currents of the ocean.
Graduate: BA - Ancient History and Sociology, BA(Hons) - History, Master of Indigenous Studies
Current role: Academic Engagement Adviser (Māori and Pacific), Te Kahu Tauira, Waipapa Taumata Rau. Co-chair of the Women of Colour Staff Network
“The University is made up of many 'islands' – faculties, services, and communities, each with their own roles, priorities, and ways of knowing and being. The ocean connects them all. My role sits within those waters, helping mātauranga flow between spaces, adapting as needs shift and currents change.
“Te Kahu Tauira is a key network of currents I work within, carrying Māori and Pacific perspectives, promoting services, and relaying feedback between staff, tauira, and service providers.”
Mia-Mae’s work allows her to build meaningful relationships with people across the University, but it’s far more than simply 'having a coffee'; it involves building trust, aligning shared goals, and thinking strategically about partnerships, while working from a te ao Māori worldview.
“It takes care and intention, especially within an institution of this size. It can be challenging, and that is exactly what I love about it.
“A key highlight has been the establishment of the Māori and Pacific spaces on Level One of Te Herenga Mātauranga Whānui. Working alongside Fay Nanai and an incredible project team, we created spaces shaped by the needs of our Māori and Pacific communities. These spaces re‑imagined the library as a place for knowledge sharing grounded in te ao Māori and Te Moana‑nui‑a‑Kiwa – embracing dance, music, art, creative practice, and play.”
With a role centring on communication, engagement, and advocacy, the Master of Indigenous Studies was foundational to all three. The degree strengthened Mia-Mae with critical thinking, research, and policy analysis skills, while also teaching her how to engage in complex conversations with empathy.
This programme deepened my understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in relation to higher education and the experiences of Māori, Pacific peoples, and people of colour. Learning across a wide range of topics helped me identify root causes within systems and advocate more effectively for change.
“These skills are central to my work supporting Māori and Pacific tauira and kaimahi to have successful academic journeys on their own terms, and to create space for diverse voices across the university.”
Mia-Mae says she chose the Master of Indigenous Studies because she was hungry for learning and for the kind of classroom conversations that would both excite and challenge her.
“I wanted to be alongside others with shared interests but different worldviews, as we explored the wide and complex spectrum of Indigenous identity together.
“I wasn’t drawn to a one‑year thesis that required narrowing my focus too early. It was important for me to learn broadly, to engage with many ideas, topics, and ways of thinking, rather than going deep on just one thing from the outset. The variety of papers in this degree allowed me to do exactly that.
“At the same time, the dissertation gave me the space to drill down into a passion of my own and produce something that felt deeply personal. This degree offered both the freedom to explore widely and the opportunity to focus meaningfully. It gave me everything I was looking for, and more.”
Like a lot of students returning to postgraduate studies, finances were one of the main obstacles for Mia-Mae, so she decided to return to full-time mahi and shift to part-time study.
“That change made a significant difference. It allowed me to feel more stable, reduced the constant stress around money, and helped me show up to my studies with a healthier mindset.
“One thing I learned is that the length of time it takes to complete your degree shouldn’t be the main motivator. Working within your means and looking after your wellbeing holistically is far more important. That balance ultimately helped me stay engaged, motivated, and proud of my journey.”
Mia-Mae says that what this masters programme taught her went beyond academic knowledge.
“It taught me how to sit better in difficult conversations, to listen to understand, not just to respond. Rather than trying to convince or convert people, I learned how to engage with them as individuals to understand their own worldviews. That skill has stayed with me and continues to shape how I navigate complex, values‑based discussions at work, at home and every day."
My advice to future postgraduate students is to choose a programme that nurtures both your learning and your passion.
"I was privileged to be taught by people I studied and worked alongside, and I was surrounded by knowledge holders who shaped my thinking. Find the space that allows you to do the same and lean into the people and places that make you feel at home.”
Community and connection were central to Mia-Mae’s time at Waipapa Taumata Rau.
“Feeling a sense of belonging meant having spaces that grounded me, places where I felt safe, heard, and supported. I couldn’t have succeeded without my village: my whānau, friends, and support networks both on and off campus.
“Te Fale Pouāwhina was my kāinga on campus. They lifted me up when I couldn’t, listened when I needed an ear, and held space for me when I needed a tangi. I always left with a full puku, new mātauranga, and sore ribs from all the laughter.
“For any Māori, Pacific, and/or Indigenous tauira at Waipapa Taumata Rau, or those thinking about coming, know that there is a strong, unwavering kāinga here for you in Te Fale Pouāwhina.”