Key Takeaways:
- Naianga Tapiata, a University of Waikato student, has been named a Rhodes Scholar and will attend the University of Oxford.
- Tapiata is the first graduate of kura kaupapa Māori to become a Rhodes Scholar.
- Mākereti Papakura, a Māori woman who studied at Oxford in the 1920s, was a huge inspiration behind Tapiata’s decision to study at the same university.
- Tapiata will complete a two-year Master of Philosophy in Social Anthropology at Oxford from 2026.
- The timing of Tapiata’s study at Oxford is significant, as it coincides with the 99th anniversary of Papakura’s enrollment at the university.
Introduction to Naianga Tapiata
Naianga Tapiata, a University of Waikato student, has been named a Rhodes Scholar and will attend the University of Oxford. This prestigious scholarship is a significant achievement, and Tapiata’s selection is a testament to his hard work and dedication to his studies. Tapiata’s journey to Oxford is also a remarkable story, inspired by the legacy of Mākereti Papakura, a Māori woman who studied at Oxford in the 1920s. Papakura’s story is an important part of New Zealand’s history, and her contributions to the field of anthropology are still recognized today.
Mākereti Papakura’s Legacy
Mākereti Papakura was a pioneering Māori woman who explored the customs of her people from a female perspective. Born in 1873, Papakura was a trailblazer in many ways, and her work continues to inspire new generations of scholars. Tapiata was particularly drawn to Papakura’s story, which he heard about growing up. He remembers visiting Papakura’s urupā (grave) at Oxford, which sparked something in him and made him realize that studying at Oxford was possible. Papakura’s legacy is a powerful reminder of the importance of indigenous perspectives and the need to recognize and celebrate the contributions of indigenous scholars.
Tapiata’s Journey to Oxford
Tapiata’s journey to Oxford is a remarkable story of perseverance and dedication. He is the first graduate of kura kaupapa Māori to become a Rhodes Scholar, and his selection is a testament to the value of indigenous education. Tapiata’s experiences at kura kaupapa Māori have prepared him well for his studies at Oxford, and he is eager to learn from and contribute to the academic community. He is particularly interested in exploring the crossroads of indigenous cultures and Western society, and he believes that Oxford, with its rich history and diverse community, is the perfect place to do so.
The Significance of Tapiata’s Study at Oxford
Tapiata’s study at Oxford is significant not only for him but also for the wider Māori community. His selection as a Rhodes Scholar is a recognition of the value of indigenous knowledge and perspectives, and it highlights the importance of indigenous representation in academia. Tapiata’s research will focus on social anthropology, and he is eager to explore the ways in which indigenous cultures can contribute to solving some of the world’s most pressing problems, such as climate change. His study at Oxford will also provide him with opportunities to collaborate with other scholars and to learn from their experiences.
The Timing of Tapiata’s Study
The timing of Tapiata’s study at Oxford is also significant, as it coincides with the 99th anniversary of Papakura’s enrollment at the university. This coincidence is not lost on Tapiata, who believes that timing plays a big role in decision-making. He reflects on the kōrero (story) about Papakura and how it has inspired him to pursue his own academic journey. The fact that Papakura’s degree was posthumously awarded to her just a few months ago is also a significant milestone, and Tapiata sees his own selection as a Rhodes Scholar as a continuation of Papakura’s legacy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Naianga Tapiata’s selection as a Rhodes Scholar is a significant achievement that recognizes the value of indigenous knowledge and perspectives. His study at Oxford will provide him with opportunities to learn from and contribute to the academic community, and his research will focus on social anthropology and the ways in which indigenous cultures can contribute to solving some of the world’s most pressing problems. The timing of Tapiata’s study is also significant, as it coincides with the 99th anniversary of Papakura’s enrollment at the university. As Tapiata embarks on this new chapter in his academic journey, he is aware of the legacy of Papakura and the responsibility that comes with being a Rhodes Scholar.