Te Pūnaha Matatini Summer Interns working with Whai Maia
This summer, three Te Pūnaha Matatini (TPM) interns will be joining the Whai Maia team — the development arm of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. TPM is group of researchers from New Zealand’s universities (led by Auckland Uni) that are developing new methods to transform big sets of knotty data into knowledge and insight for making better decisions. The interns will be working with Whai Maia staff to analyze data about the hapu — some internal survey data, some open data from RIMU (Auckland Council’s research unit), and some from Wairoa Pacific. At its heart, this is an experiment in tino rangatiratanga — self-determination, or unconditional sovereignty. How might the hapu design services and programs targeted to specific needs of their whanau and advocate on their behalf to government and business?
Kia ora koutou,
My name is Tayla Schaapveld, I studied Health Science and Science (majoring in Statistics) at the University of Auckland, and have just finished postgraduate studies in Forensic Science. In my postgraduate studies I have focused on the statistical aspect of forensic science, writing a dissertation on Artificial Neural Networks. This background has really strengthened my understanding of, and my ability to analyse data. I also have a particular interest in the disparities in health, education, and economic status in New Zealand, and am excited to combine these fields in this project.
I am of Ngati Kahungunu descent. My hapu is Te Whatu Apiti, and my marae is Te Hika-O-Papauma, which is located on the coast of Whakataki. Recently I have become more interested in learning about my descendants and their culture, and am hoping this internship will assist me to explore this further.
I am looking forward to working with Te Pūnaha Matatini and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei on this project where I can hopefully use the skills I have gained through my studies to help bring data together in a meaningful way, helping the Maori community.
Tēnā koutou,
Ko Maungapohatu te māunga.
Ko Waikaremoana te moana.
Ko mataatua te waka.
Ko Ngai Tuhoe tōku iwi.
Ko Ngati Tawhaki tōku hapū.
Ko Ngahina tōku marae.
Ko Lauren Watson tōku ingoa.
I also have Whāngai bonds with Ngāti Awa after my Great Grandmother and her siblings were raised in their care. My Whānau are spread across Opotiki and Tauranga. I currently live in Auckland studying my second year at the University of Auckland student studying Law and Health Sciences. I’m committed to using my skills and knowledge to improve the health outcomes for Maori. I’m interested in reducing inequities through justice and health policy and got into this field of health research after feeling moved by the inequalities between Maori and non-Maori in New Zealand in lectures for health science. I’m incredibly appreciative for the opportunity to research Ngati Whatua as I will be living in the rohe for the foreseeable future, and believe that honour deserves acknowledgement.
My name is Brianne Halbert and I am currently working towards a BSc in computer science at the University of Auckland. Since beginning my studies, I have been seeking opportunities in external research groups to supplement my academic training, access mentors, and build quality peer relationships. While I was born in Korea, and raised in the USA, my whānau is originally from New Zealand and of Ngāti Kahu descent. Despite many years and considerable distance, we have always maintained strong ties with our whānau, and this has been a source of pride and inspiration for me. Since moving to Aotearoa, I have finally been able to acquaint myself fully with my Māori heritage- visiting my marae, attending my first rūnangas and AGMs, electing chairpersons, meeting whānau and learning from my kaumātua that have sacrificed so much for the younger generations. When I saw Te Pūnaha Matatini’s advertisement for summer interns, I saw a unique opportunity to work and gain knowledge not only in data and computer science, but in learning and giving back to Māori communities. I am excited for this opportunity and look forward to the relationships that this internship provides.
Whakaangi te maunga tapu
Waiaua te marae
Waitetoki te awa e
Te waka ko Mamaru
Ko Parata te rangatira
Kahutianui te Whaea
Ngati Ruaiti te hapu
Ngāti Kahu te iwi e
