Waipapa Raukura Rau at Liggins

Ben Kelly-Young’s first internship at Auckland University was working as part of a team at Digital Services to fix a critical part of exam day logistics – the university’s exam clock.

“The old one was broken; it wasn’t keeping time properly. I did the coding for it – creating the logic which drives the application,” he says.

Ben Kelly-Young (Ngāpuhi) was back finishing the final year of his Computer Systems Engineering degree when the clock was launched to widespread praise, including this on Campus Kōrero: “Gotta say: LOVE the upgraded Exam Clock! Kudos to whoever developed and deployed it.”

Now he is back for an early career programme, this time as part of Waipapa Raukura Rau, the University of Auckland’s Māori Graduate Programme.

The 12-month programme is built on the Te Ao Māori principles of Manaakitanga, Whanaungatanga and Kaitiakitanga. Graduates work for three months at a time in different parts of the university, and each host is encouraged to reflect on how these principles can shape their interactions with the graduates.

The four three-month placements give them the opportunity to try out potential career paths, while gaining skills and experience along the way. They have a permanent position from day one, with a commitment to interns starting a “Destination” role at the end of the programme.

Ben’s first placement is at the Liggins Institute, one of the university’s two large-scale research institutes. The Liggins Institute is well-known for its research focusing on mums’ and babies’ health.

“I found out the level of work that goes on here, it's quite widely recognised. So, it's a prestigious place to work. It was a bit daunting, knowing the level of medical research that goes on as someone who's an engineer, with no medical background, but I've started learning.”

Ben is working as part of the data team of the Human Health Research Services Platform – a platform hosted by the Liggins Institute. He was attracted to the innovative work the team was doing with databases, particularly the REDCap application. The team is working on customising REDCap for clients, rather than just using it off-the-shelf.

During his time here he is working on developing training materials for in-house REDCap courses and working with staff and students on projects including long covid and Parkinson’s.

“I'll also be working with a PhD student who’s doing a cohort study on Deep Brain Stimulation surgery to treat Parkinson's. I’m going to be running his REDCap database.”

While Ben’s technical skills are vital, the Waipapa Raukura Rau programme also emphasises cultural grounding. “Our first week included waka ama paddling. It was my first time doing it, and it was a great icebreaker for our cohort of five.”

He says everyone within the programme has very different backgrounds. “I think everyone is on a different journey, especially within our cohort. I’m at the beginning of my journey with regards to my Māori heritage, culture, Te Ao Māori stuff in general.”

Ben recommends that anyone interested in Te Ao Māori should consider applying to the programme.

“There's a genuine interest from the university in indigenising different parts of the university. They're trying to actually incorporate Māori into the way the university is run. Especially because they're underrepresented - in university in general and in staff representation. They want to create a more equitable university experience.”

He also says not to worry what your degree is in – the programme can cater to everyone.

“I'd say first and foremost, don't be discouraged by your degree, whatever it may be. There's going to be people from all over the spectrum of the university. The fact that you graduated or are studying is qualification enough.”