Our Stories

Arama's Story

Starting PhD research can be a challenging process for any student, but for Arama Rata (Taranaki, Ngāruahine, Ngāti Maniapoto) the biggest challenge was claiming theoretical space for Māori-centred research within the Western scientific discipline of psychology. Arama describes floundering at this impasse until an event that catapulted her research onto a new trajectory. That event was the MAI Doctoral Conference 2008, hosted by Awanuia-a-rangi, Whakatāne. "My first MAI Doctoral Conference was like an awakening. I met Māori researchers at all stages of the PhD process who inspired me and showed me what was possible."

The networks made through MAI continued to play an important role throughout Arama's PhD studies. While there were few Māori in her field, Arama used MAI networks to create a sense of community. "It can be lonely doing postgrad studies, so we started up our own little study groups within MAI. We had writing groups, and we had monthly meetings to set goals and we would make each other accountable to achieve those goals."

Arama sums up the impact MAI has had on her PhD journey as follows. "Would I have done a PhD without support from MAI? Probably. Would it have been on a Māori topic that allowed me to develop my skills as a Māori researcher and to produce research to benefit Māori people? Certainly not." Arama is due to complete her PhD in November 2012.