Jamie Wehipeihana

Jamie brings skills honed from Anthropology and Criminology studies along with public sector work experience back to her community as an education researcher.

(Raukawa, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngā Puhi)

My upbringing heavily influenced what I chose to study and needed to strive for to give my whānau a life they deserve. My mum encouraged me to pursue whatever bought me happiness, so she bought me down to Te Whanganui-a-Tara for Open Day at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington to check it out. I was fascinated by all the “-ologies” and fixed on Cultural Anthropology; I knew it was for me! I also chose Criminology as I felt the generational pain this system has had, not only on my whānau and community, but tangata whenua as a whole. I was called from my tīpuna to gain this tohu and use my experience to help.

What I enjoyed most about both my major subjects was the variety of topics surrounding these disciplines. I was able to test and try classes that I wouldn’t usually be drawn to and see if they were for me. My Anthropology studies deepened my understanding of culture—especially my own and the awareness that culture is fluid and evolving. Criminology sharpened my critical skills to help me do what I can to address injustices within our systems.

To be completely honest, I did not always have an enjoyable university experience—many aspects of traditional learning is through a Pākehā lens. This was a huge culture shock for me initially. It’s important for students who are moving away from home to pursue study (often a first for them and their whānau) to find culturally safe spaces where they can thrive. I needed to work full time while studying. I was a support worker and a research assistant initially. I also got involved in various kaupapa and campaigns during my time at uni, so I developed some strong planning and time-management skills. Throughout this time my whānau in the South Waikato and whānau I was able to create in Pōneke held me strong and centred me in my “why”.

My mahi roles have all been heavily impacted by my study choices and the networking channels I was able to create. I worked in a private research and evaluation firm as a research assistant while studying, which was my first step into government. I was working alongside departments such as the Department of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Social Development, and ACC, just to name a few. I was then successful in gaining a TupuToa internship with Ara Poutama Aotearoa, eventually moving into a research adviser role there. I was involved in evaluating Ara Poutama and their strategy, ultimately with the goal to elevate whānau voices and needs. Learning the ropes of government paired beautifully with my Anthropology and Criminology studies and opened doors to a multitude of places for next steps. The support from TupuToa accelerated my learning and was able to fill my kete with a wealth of knowledge from other tauira completing this internship.

I have recently left government and immersed myself in kaupapa Māori-based research with Raukawa iwi, with the absolute intention to stay present in the community and elevate whānau voices. I am currently serving my people and community and am working for my iwi as a pou whakawhaneke tātai ako (curriculum development adviser), focussing on curriculum development based entirely on Raukawa tikanga, mātauranga, and reo. I really value taking the time to go back to my turangawaewae with a different mode of working: to step away from the hustle, listen to our taiao, listen to my tīpuna, and connect with whānau.

I think everyone should take an Anthropology course, no matter your studies, as understanding people is the largest but best part of any job. It means you can bring your transferable skills and knowledge to any role. I like to “know it all”; I’m always curious and push for answers so I really enjoy research. There are so few kaupapa Māori researchers, and this is a space I hope to build future capacity within.

Had I not gone and got this tohu, the mahi I have always hoped to create would not be possible. Because of my studies and my networking and experience in government by the age of 23, I am now set up for the rest of my life. I also heavily acknowledge the privilege I have—I was able to leave home, go to university, and study for three years. Where most of my peers did not get the same awhi I did, I will forever be thankful for the support I did receive to get me here. No matter your subject choice, university degrees will never mean anything if we do not use them for good. And for me doing good is serving the community that got me to university and back around again.