Inverness-Moana Cowles

This funding will assist me in attaining my moemoea to bring my learning back to my people. I want to be an inspiration for our poverty-stricken area to rise above and Dear to Dream that anything is possible if you work hard.

My plans are:

• I applied for a Resident Assistant (RA) with UoA Waiparuru Halls, I was successful which gives me 15 hours per week to cover most of my accommodation for 2023.
• For the past five years I have been involved in my United Nations Youth NZ kaupapa to secure the Auckland Regional Equity Managers position for 2023.
• Semester Break 2022-2023, I have applied and secured an internship with Northland Regional Council (NRC) to save money for the following year of study (my aim is not to work while I study and to fully concentrate on my degree, so I don’t to worry about my financial living costs).
• Science Scholarship Programme, I was accepted into this programme as an extension of my Science Degree due to my Academic Record at the beginning of this year.
• 2023, Prime Minister’s Scholarship, I was one of only eight (from UoA) who were successful travelling to Brazil for 31 days to broaden our horizons through life-changing learning experiences in Asia and Latin America.
• 2023-2024, Apply for Summer Studentship to Auckland Museum (To save funds for the following year and gain hands on experience in the field of my study)
• Nov 2024, Complete Bachelor of Science
• 2026, Complete Master end of 2026 and Graduate Masters 2027
• 2027, Gain international employment as an Archaeologist for three to four years then
• 2030, Enrol in Doctorate
• 2033, Graduate Doctorate and return home to Northland

What were the major outcomes of this kaupapa? 

My goal was to have the ability to bring my knowledge back to our people once I’ve completed my doctorate. As life should have it I’ve been gifted an opportunity to start that journey a little earlier gaining an internship within a Hāpu Development Trust over the summer semester break. It has been enlightening and has given me a more in-depth understanding of what goes on behind the scenes.

So I’ve completed:
– My Residents Advisor Job at UoA
– My 2023 role as UNYA Equity Officer
– Internship with Northland Regional Council
– Science Scholars Programme for 2023
– Prime Minister’s Scholarship to Brazil 2023
– In my third and final year of my degree.
– Secured an inner city apartment with a fellow student.
– Secured an internship with my hāpu, Waikare Community Development and Research Trust (WCDRT)
– Secured 10 hours a week of ongoing employment with WCDRT, which I’m able to do from home so I have the sense of still contributing to our hāpu developments.
– Was selected as only 15 participants on a 14 day Archeological Expedition to Mercury Island.

What were some of the challenges your kaupapa faced during its implementation?

The biggest challenge by far has been financially. I come from a financially humble home and community with my mother as a solo mum, me as her last of her four children (first to University) just so desperately needing it to work. Summer internships have been strategic to add to my kete of knowledge and give me critical funds to serve the costs of living in Auckland (or away from home).

The second obstacle was securing an apartment/accommodation, that was almost 100 applications and in the end my mum had to come in to awhi me to get it over the line. This was exhausting and took more than six months of relentless hours try to convince real estate agents to give a 20 year old uni student an apartment.

My education has also been a challenge but certainly something I enjoy and am passionate about.

How did this kaupapa benefit from the Pou Herenga Tangata Award?

This funding went straight on my student loan fees, living costs & some required, this has reduced what I owe significantly.

Once I complete my Master’s in 2026, I’d like to gain some international experience/exposure so I have more to offer my hāpu on my return, having a student loan hanging over your head means you limited as there is criteria when you leave the country.

What are your future plans for this kaupapa?

In 2025 I will be continuing to move into my Master’s degree straight after my degree.

By mid 2026 I will apply internationally for roles that will enhance my education adding to my kete of knowledge.

On my return to New Zealand whilst working I’ll complete my doctorate becoming an authority in my field. I believe this achievement will inspire our new generation to “DEAR to DREAM gosh what would you achieve”. For small poverty stricken communities, deprivation is all we see on a daily basis but having someone so close that they can relate to gives HOPE and an aspiration to DREAM.

Other dreams that this fund has helped me achieve throughout this kaupapa and I would want for others is the values under a Te Ao Māori worldview:

– Te Reo (language)
– Whakapapa (geneology/connection)
– Ukaipotanga (grounding/nuturing)
– Pukengatanga (skills, strength, knowledge)
– Whanaungatanga (networking/community)
– Manaakitanga (hospitality, caring for others)
– Kotahitanga (togetherness)
– Kaitiakitanga (guardianship)
– Wairuatanga (Maori Spirituality)
– Rangatiratanga (Leadership)

I hope this inspires others to want MORE!