Meredith graduated in May with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons, first class) in Philosophy. She was on the Dean’s List for three consecutive years and received the Maurice Goldsmith Prize for the top graduating Philosophy student.

An early and frightening experience brought on by social isolation and lack of community saw Meredith spiral into a two-year period of immersing herself in extremist forums online. She says the experience of overcoming this has given her a unique perspective and valuable insight into how online extremist communities operate and has formed the foundation of her ongoing research.

“My journey has given me a strong drive to embody the Rhodes values of sympathy and protection for the weak, isolated, and lonely. These feelings of loneliness still linger in me, now emboldening me towards action instead of isolation,” says Meredith.

At Oxford she will complete a Bachelor of Philosophy where she will continue to research social contexts of knowledge, particularly in politically extremist communities.

She has been a committed activist for many years advocating for various causes such as LGBTQIA+ rights, abortion access, union issues, speaking out against racism, and more.

Professor Stephen Levine, from the School of History, Philosophy, Political Science and International Relations, was one of Meredith’s referees for the scholarship. He says, “Meredith has an influence arising out of her intelligence, thoughtfulness, and dedication to accuracy—to truth, ‘kindliness’, and sympathy. Her leadership traits reflect her readiness to take charge of a situation, influencing its direction in an almost instinctive manner.”

Professor Levine got to know Meredith through her participation in the Parliamentary Internship Programme, and says that the MP she interned for, Arena Williams, found her “brilliant and memorable, outstanding in every way.”

Meredith says she will use her scholarship to enhance her leadership. “In the future, I want to make contributions to the fields of social epistemology, political theory, and counterterrorism studies to advance this mission, promoting empathy and care along the way among academics, citizens, and politicians alike.”

The Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest international scholarship programme, bringing outstanding young people together from around the world to study at the University of Oxford since 1903.

Meredith is one of three Rhodes Scholars, with Brittany Dick from Minerva University in San Francisco, and Tom Swinburn from the University of Auckland joining her in Oxford.

Dame Cindy Kiro, Governor-General of New Zealand, congratulated the winners saying, “I am always delighted to meet the exceptional young people who have been shortlisted for the Rhodes Scholarship. The winners this year—Brittany, Meredith, and Thomas—represent the very best of the best. These extraordinary young New Zealanders are exemplars of academic excellence and outstanding character.”