A Moerewa marine archaeologist in the making

From the small Northland town of Moerewa, the former Far North Youth Councillor has never lost sight of her vision: to combine her passion for history, discovery, and science in service of her people. Of Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi, Te Kapotai, Ngāti Kawa, Ngāti Rahiri and Ngāti Hauā (Waikato) descent, she proudly carries her whakapapa.

“Growing up in Moerewa, there wasn’t much influence for going to university. I didn’t really see further education after high school, but I registered anyway," she says. "I really wanted to make a change to expand my education, and eventually bring those learnings back home, to my people.” 

Inverness-Moana has already been recognised nationally as a recipient of the Pou Herenga Tangata Award from Tapuwae Roa, and internationally through Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asia and Latin America. A BLAKE Inspire alumni, and a past leader through UN Youth New Zealand, she has consistently sought opportunities that stretch her thinking and grow her leadership.

“I hope that I can inspire other young people like myself. There are spaces for us in education."

"We come from financially humble homes, but that shouldn’t stop us from pursuing our dreams of a better further.”

Leaving home at 18 to study in Tāmaki Makaurau was a brave leap. “At first it was scary because in Moerewa I am safe, everyone knows everyone and we whakapapa to each other. I had to think about missing out on whānau milestones, so I could fully focus on my studies and the sacrifices everyone made to get me here which made me very determined to succeed.

"Being in Tāmaki and gaining more insight about where I want to go has been worth it. My experience at the University has been lifechanging and it was important for me to branch out making new connections.”

Majoring in anthropology and geography, she found her calling. “The reason I chose these papers is because I am really interested in history – and mostly the history that we don’t know. Archaeology is about digging up the past and connecting artefacts to people. I think those types of discoveries are very exciting.”

Now, her Master of Arts in anthropology (archaeology) has only confirmed that passion.

“The classes have taught me so many different things that have expanded my interests and learning. I’m still thinking of what I’d like to do my dissertation on, whether it’s Māori heritage or genealogy – the readings get me so amped.”

Alongside her studies, she works with her iwi, Ngāti Hine Health Trust, on climate capability, grounding her academic work in service to hapū and iwi.

Inverness-Moana is clear that her degrees are just one part of the journey. “Although I hope to later pursue a PhD, I know education is only one piece of the puzzle – but utilising my degrees to inform and gain experience is the next step because it’s just as important.”

“I would definitely put all my knowledge to work for my people, it’s actually why I’m so persistent in this pathway.”

She also credits her whānau who have been a source of support throughout her academic journey.

“My grandparents and my Mum always pushed me to not only do my best, but seize opportunities. They’d say things like: ‘never be ashamed of where you’re from, be proud of who you are’. Also knowing that I had a home waiting for me for when I was ready to return.”