<p>T&#275;n&#257; koutou.</p>

<p>My studentship with Whakauae Research Services required the completion of a literature review, which included an annotated bibliography, thematic analysis, and a written final report of the findings in relation to the research question.</p>

<p>Existing literature leads us to believe that the percentage of M&#257;ori within the research workforce has remained low and stagnant within the past decade. This literature review aimed to explore the ways in which M&#257;ori skills, knowledge and comprehension of research are being expanded upon, and how these factors may or may not lead into a career of research.</p>

<p>The main findings outlined whanaungatanga, ethnic-specific equity programmes and support services, and non-M&#257;ori support and allyship as fundamental for building M&#257;ori capacity and capability in the research workforce. In the absence of M&#257;ori-specific research that answered our research question, I decided to turn to our Indigenous whanaunga around the world for their scholarship. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders from Australia, and First Nations people from Canada provided invaluable insights into the ways in which capacity and capability building work, and areas that could be improved &ndash; ways that are transferable into our context as M&#257;ori.</p>

<p>Throughout this studentship, I was overwhelmed with the awhi and tautoko that I received from the entire team. How fitting is it that, as I researched this topic, my own capacity and capability was being built. For many reasons, prior to attending the University of Auckland &ndash; Waipapa Taumata Rau, my secondary school experience was anything but typical. As someone who had never considered myself as an academic, I sure would have never considered myself as a researcher either. I am confident that the skills that I have grown and developed throughout my short time with Whakauae, will stay with me throughout the rest of my academic haerenga.</p>

<p>I&rsquo;d like to express my deepest gratitude to my supervisor, Dr. Tanya Allport. Ng&#257; mihi nunui ki a koe m&#333; t&#333; tautoko, me t&#333; mahi katoa. To the wider Whakauae team, thank you for this amazing opportunity and for welcoming me into your space. Lastly, a huge thank you to Dr. Lara Greaves, without whom I might never have seized this opportunity. What an honour it is to be surrounded by excellent M&#257;ori researchers, academics and scholars.</p>

<p>To close, I&rsquo;d like to share the famous war cry of my tipuna, Te Roro-o-te-Rangi, at the battle of Tawharakurupeti:</p>

<p style="text-align: center;"><em>&ldquo;Ruia taitea, kia t&#363; ko taik&#257;k&#257; anake!&rdquo;.</em></p>

<p>This is often translated as <em>&ldquo;Strip away the sapwood so that the heartwood stands alone!&rdquo;</em>.</p>

<p>To me, this whakatauk&#299; serves as a reminder that regardless of our small numbers and the inequities we may face, we must always stand strong in our M&#257;oritanga.</p>

<p>T&#275;n&#257; t&#257;tou. &nbsp;</p>
