I’m an engineering student at the University of Auckland and a proud recipient of the HERA Whanake Scholarship.

My journey into STEMM began in 2018 with Pūhoro when they launched a branch in Tāmaki Makaurau. Since then, Pūhoro has opened doors I never imagined – from interning at the Auckland Space Institute to helping with kiwi research on Ponui Island. Growing up in South Auckland and serving as head student at Rosehill College in 2020, these experiences have shaped me and fuelled my passion for engineering and science.

I’ve always been drawn to engineering, inspired by my Koro, who would call me ‘tutu’ whenever I was fidgeting or tinkering with things around the house. That curiosity has stayed with me, pushing me to understand the world and explore how to make a positive impact through innovation. Engineering feels like a natural path for me, combining my love of problem-solving with the opportunity to bring meaningful solutions to life.

Right now, my priority is completing my degree as I explore the diverse career paths within engineering. Each step forward continues to reveal new opportunities and possibilities. To me, heavy engineering and metals-based engineering are strongly linked to innovation. With so many areas of engineering relying on metals, the need for research and improvements in these materials is essential, creating opportunities for groundbreaking advancements that drive positive change.

Receiving the Whanake Scholarship has allowed me to focus more fully on my education and has also given me the freedom to explore my cultural heritage, connect more deeply with my Māori identity, and engage with other areas of personal development that might otherwise have taken a back seat. There is a critical need for more Māori in engineering. Every Māori in the field serves as a role model and tuakana, inspiring future generations and bringing a unique perspective that emphasises sustainability and environmental stewardship. Māori values, like kaitiakitanga, have a crucial role in shaping a more responsible and inclusive engineering landscape.

My experiences at the Auckland Space Institute, my involvement with Pūhoro STEM Academy, and my leadership roles as Head Student and Head of the Community Committee at Rosehill College all reflect my commitment to both academic excellence and community service. I’m grateful for the support this scholarship provides and am excited to continue making an impact in engineering and beyond.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my friends and whānau – they keep me grounded and remind me of what’s most important.

Recent kōrero for Taine