Antonia Tangatakino-McIntyre - Master of Indigenous Studies

“I chose to study at Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland, because of its strong commitment to Māori knowledge, research, and representation within academia. Te Wānanga o Waipapa stood out as a space dedicated to the preservation, teaching, and revitalisation of Māori Studies, providing an environment where mātauranga Māori is valued alongside academic scholarship.

“Beyond that, the University offers incredible opportunities for growth, learning, and connection with other Māori students and academics. Studying here has allowed me to deepen my understanding of te ao Māori while equipping me with the skills and knowledge to contribute to my community and future aspirations.

“What stood out about the Bachelor of Arts was its emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and being able to see the connections between subjects and apply that knowledge in meaningful ways. It’s a degree that encourages critical thinking, creativity, and deep engagement with society and culture. For me, it wasn’t just about gaining a qualification but about shaping the way I think, learn, and contribute to my community.

“I chose to study Māori Studies and Sociology because both disciplines provide powerful tools for understanding the world around us – one through the lens of social structures and systems, and the other through the depth of mātauranga and te ao Māori. Sociology helps me critically analyse the ways in which society operates, examining power dynamics, inequalities, and social change. Māori Studies, on the other hand, connects me to te ao Māori, offering insights into history, culture, language, and Indigenous ways of knowing.

“I love Māori Studies because it allows me to see myself, my culture, and my identity reflected in the content. Representation in academia is so important, and having a space like Te Wānanga o Waipapa dedicated to the preservation and celebration of Māori knowledge is incredibly empowering. Māori Studies is more than just an academic discipline, it is a space where mātauranga, reo, tikanga, and history are valued, shared, and upheld. This knowledge isn’t just for me, it’s something I can carry forward to uplift my whānau, my hapori, and future generations.

“In Māori Studies, I feel grounded; the content is deeply tied to identity, whenua, and whakapapa, and it’s uplifting to be in spaces where mātauranga Māori is valued and taught with care. It’s not just academic; it’s personal, it’s cultural, and it’s healing.

“The student lifestyle is diverse, vibrant, and full of opportunities for growth, both academically and personally. There's always something going on, whether it's academic events, workshops, club activities, cultural gatherings, or just catching up with mates around campus. You’re surrounded by people from all walks of life, which creates a really interesting and dynamic environment.

“At the end of the day, being a student here means being in a space where you’re constantly learning, being challenged, and figuring out who you are and who you want to become.

“During my undergraduate study, I was involved in Ngā Tauira Māori – the Māori student association, which I was introduced to by a first-year programme I was a part of called Tōia ki Waipapa. I was attracted to both because they were a way to bring tauira Māori together.

“I’m currently completing a Master of Indigenous Studies, which is helping me deepen my understanding of kaupapa Māori, decolonial thought, and Indigenous methodologies. This postgraduate journey has been both challenging and rewarding, and it’s reinforcing my commitment to becoming a bridge in both academic and cultural spaces. I’m also working as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, which has given me valuable hands-on experience in the classroom. It’s been an incredible opportunity to support students and grow my teaching practice. Becoming a lecturer isn’t just a career goal: it’s a way for me to give back to the communities and spaces that have shaped me, and to help foster a more inclusive and empowering future within the university.

“When I graduate, my goal is to become a lecturer at the University. Teaching and learning have always been passions of mine, and I want to contribute to the academic space in a way that uplifts Māori knowledge and supports the next generation of thinkers and leaders. I'm especially passionate about creating spaces where tauira Māori feel seen, heard, and valued, where our ways of knowing and being are not only included, but central.

“The Bachelor of Arts programme is flexible, encouraging students to weave together different strands of knowledge, much like raranga, to create a rich and meaningful learning experience.”