Alex Maddox (Ngāpuhi/Kūki ‘Airani) is an emerging Kairangahau and master’s candidate in He Waka Hiringa (Applied Indigenous Knowledge) at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. The inspiration behind her choice to pursue research in her chosen community is her son Phoenix, who was born with a rare genetic condition called Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome (Type 5).

With her husband Mason and daughter Kiera, they are sharing their lived experiences and knowledge to build better pathways for Whaikaha Tamariki (children with disabilities) and their whānau. Her research explores how Māori philosophies and principles can transform disability support by centring the voices and experiences of whānau raising tamariki Kāpō (vision impaired children) in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Grounded in values of mana, whanaungatanga and Kotahitanga, Alex’s work seeks to challenge deficit-based approaches and contribute to more equitable, collaborative and culturally responsive systems. Passionate about advancing Indigenous-led research, Alex aims to foster meaningful dialogue that supports positive outcomes for whānau and future generations.

Alex is grateful to the Hope Fish Foundation for supporting her educational journey and enabling her to continue her education journey.