鈥淭his has enormous implications for social justice and equity. For Clinical Psychology to develop as a socially responsible and robust field of research, we need to radically change the way we conduct research,鈥 Nadia says.
鈥淲e need to develop a critical outlook, pay attention to how our culture and social values impact our research, ensuring that it addresses real-life challenges, and reflects the diverse perspectives and voices of those directly impacted.鈥
Nadia wants to see the development of a M膩ori health workforce from diverse backgrounds to meet the needs of people who access health services.
From K膩i Tahu, having whakapapa connections to K膩ti Huirapa ki Puketeraki and Awarua on her father鈥檚 side, Nadia is grateful for the M膩ori academics, activists and leaders who made her academic journey possible.
鈥淚t鈥檚 important we have training programmes which are culturally safe and support M膩ori achievement. I can鈥檛 emphasise enough how important and transformative it is to have M膩ori staff and mentors for students. It was crucial in my experience.鈥
Nadia is currently undertaking a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship with the Department of M膩ori Indigenous Health Innovation at the University of Otago in 艑tautahi Christchurch. She is spending two years developing her skills as a hauora M膩ori researcher.
Thomas Hamilton, Kaiurungi Matua of UC M膩ori, says Nadia鈥檚 experiences during her PhD studies are a huge driver in her support for any 膩konga M膩ori trying to navigate their way to higher studies.
- Nadia was a recipient of a Ng膩i Tahu Research Centre Doctoral Scholarship and the UC Matariki Doctoral Scholarship. Nadia will graduate in the University鈥檚 main Graduation Celebration and Eke Tangaroa ceremonies on Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 August.
