Monique Holmes

Growing up near the beaches of Tauranga, Monique Holmes has always loved the ocean.

Atiawa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Toa, and Ngati Raukawa

Master of Science in Marine Biology graduate, Engagement analyst at Te Arawhiti (the Office for Māori Crown Relations)

“I am passionate about Indigenous led conservation and management of the marine environment to ensure its preservation for future generations.”

A love of the ocean

Growing up near the beaches of Tauranga, Monique Holmes has always loved the ocean. Studying marine biology gave her the opportunity to combine learning with what she loves and shape her dream career.

“When I finished university, I initially worked at Te Ohu Kaimoana as a fisheries and aquaculture policy analyst. Now I’m working as engagement analyst in the Takutai Moana team at Te Arawhiti (the Office for Māori Crown Relations). My role at Te Arawhiti is to work with iwi, hapū, and whānau to support them through the process for recognition of their customary interests that is set out in the takutai moana legislation.

“My background in marine biology, and my fisheries and aquaculture work experience, has been extremely helpful in my role in being able to provide support on technical aspects relating to the intertidal marine area as well as activities that can be and are undertaken in this area.”

Great opportunities

While at university, Monique was a mentor to Māori and Pasifika students for Te Rōpū Āwhina, and took up several summer scholarship opportunities, which she says helped build up her work experience. One piece of advice she has for those looking at a career in this area—never stop seeking out new opportunities and experiences.

“The skills you learn at university can be applied across many jobs or career paths—and the more opportunities you take up, the more you’ll see the broader picture of how you might wish to use your degree once you’ve graduated.”

And taking her own advice, Monique continues to learn more about her industry, even as a graduate.

“This year I was fortunate to travel to Japan to complete the Global Fisheries Scholarship—a training opportunity for a Māori trainee to undertake a placement with global seafood company Nissui. The scholarship gave me international exposure and experience in fisheries business. My training programme was focused on aquaculture, which is a growing industry for Māori.”

Perfect location

Monique is pleased she chose to study marine biology in Wellington, which she says gave her the building blocks she’s needed to develop her professional career.

“Not all the jobs I have worked require my technical knowledge, but I still find myself drawing on skills that I developed during my degree. These include critical analysis, written and oral communication, as well as time management and organisation.

“Wellington was a great place to study and now to live. Wellington is a great location to be able to partake in outdoor activities while still having the perks of being a big city. I particularly love the coastline in Wellington, and—weather permitting—there are lots of great places to swim.”