I am a full-time student at the University of Canterbury, studying towards an Honours degree in Civil Engineering.

My goal is to complete my studies, gain industry experience, and eventually pursue a Master’s in Engineering Management to expand my opportunities.

I’ve always been passionate about science and maths, and engineering offers the perfect combination of creativity and problem-solving for me. I love the idea of improving existing systems and creating solutions that benefit the world, while considering cultural and sustainable factors. As part of my journey, I’m continuing to study Māori studies alongside engineering, as I believe integrating Māori culture into the field is essential to creating meaningful and innovative solutions for Aotearoa.

I’m committed to increasing Māori and female representation in engineering. Representation brings diverse perspectives to the industry, combining cultural understanding with technical problem-solving. As a wahine Māori, I know how important it is to see yourself reflected in your chosen field, and I want to show others that engineers come from all walks of life. By challenging stereotypes and bringing tikanga Māori into engineering, we can unlock new possibilities to improve New Zealand and its people.

In my free time, I’m passionate about physical activity and play netball for my local team. I’ve also been involved in touch rugby and kī o Rahi and have years of experience in kapa haka, which I continue to support through my previous rōpū. I’m also part of my community’s Matariki celebrations, helping to coordinate the Selwyn Matariki Festival and supporting others in learning about this important kaupapa.

I am honoured to have been selected as a Whanake Scholarship recipient by HERA. This multi-year scholarship represents more than just financial support—it’s an opportunity to grow as a leader and role model for wahine Māori entering the engineering field. I’m excited to trailblaze new pathways and inspire the next generation of Māori women in engineering, proving that this field is open to everyone.

Recent kōrero for Lydia