Our Stories

Anne's Story

Haere mai. Tena koutou katoa.

My journey towards a PhD began as a child with my mother's encouragement to read widely and experience the world in a creative way. She would tell stories of her own mother's love of the natural world and I longed to understand more. It was always an ambition of mine to expand knowledge and search for different viewpoints.

But as I moved from the safe world at home close to the marae, I saw how difficult it was for a Māori woman to do well at university, in her career, in relationships and remain true to herself. For many years I felt as though the real me was invisible.

As a way of breaking through these blocks, I began a doctorate. Because my children were off my hands the timing was right, I was free to do my own thing. I knew that doctorates were seldom awarded in law. A challenge like this thrilled me. Perhaps my thoughts as a Māori woman and outsider would contribute something new. Sadly, I had noticed how non-Māori dominated legal scholarship on Māori aspirations and hopes. Even though this work was exciting their insights did not necessarily match up to the reality as Māori understood it.

My desire to know more about my own people's struggle with the law proved to be a powerful incentive. But always like a guiding spirit, close to me sat my mother's example and encouragement. Now I know that obtaining my doctorate will encourage others in my whānau and hapū and in this way my mother's spirit will live on.

- Anne