My name is Tiaria Te Hau-Karaitiana, and I am currently completing a Master of Science in Psychology alongside training in the Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology at Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka, the University of Otago. I whakapapa to Ngāti Kahungunu, Rangitāne o Wairarapa, Ngāi Tahu, and Ngāti Hauā. My journey through psychology has been shaped by my commitment to Māori wellbeing, rangatahi voices, and culturally grounded care. I am passionate about becoming a Māori clinical psychologist who can contribute to mental health support that honours whakapapa, whānau, tikanga, wairua, identity, and lived experience.

My Master’s research explores how rangatahi Māori navigate identity, belonging, and the impacts of colonisation through storytelling approaches such as pūrākau and the LifeStoryBoard. Through this research, I am interested in how rangatahi Māori make sense of who they are, where they belong, and how culture, whānau, whakapapa, and lived experience shape wellbeing. I hope this work contributes to more responsive approaches within psychology, youth wellbeing, and mental health support in Aotearoa. For me, research and clinical practice are deeply connected, as both offer ways to listen carefully, honour people’s stories, and create spaces where Māori do not have to leave their culture at the door to receive care.

Alongside my studies, I serve as Tumuaki of Te Rōpū Pūtaiao, the Māori Science Students’ Association at Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka, the University of Otago. In this role, I help support Māori students through whanaungatanga, academic encouragement, student engagement, and culturally grounded initiatives. I am also part of Te Pae Kōtuku, a Māori leadership programme within the Division of Sciences that has strengthened my commitment to reflective leadership, service, and giving back. These experiences have reminded me how powerful it can be when Māori students and rangatahi see themselves reflected in education, research, health, and leadership spaces. They have also deepened my responsibility to support the communities and people who have shaped me.

I am extremely grateful for the support of the Hopefish grant. This support will help cover a significant portion of my 2027 clinical psychology fees and reduce the financial pressure of continuing in a demanding postgraduate pathway. It gives me greater stability and confidence as I continue working toward becoming a Māori clinical psychologist. My long-term goal is to support rangatahi, whānau, and Māori communities through research, clinical practice, and culturally grounded care, so that more people feel understood, respected, and strengthened in who they are.