We are pleased to be able to profile our Summer Intern, Holly Ahern.
This internship was a result of our relationship with Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington through the Taihona agreement. This agreement allows iwi to engage a university student enrolled at Te Herenga Waka in a field of study relevant to the needs of the iwi. The student is employed for 13 weeks during the summer period and there is some flexibility with where the student can work from dependent on the type of work that is required during the internship. The cost for engaging the student is shared with Te Herenga Waka.
This year we were looking for a student who had some experience in reviewing and writing policy and drafting submissions. Holly was selected as the appropriate candidate from the applications received.
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Mutunga aim to engage another Te Herenga Waka student during the 2022 Summer period. If you have any tamariki or mokopuna who are studying business, law, environment, arts, design, history or policy at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington who are likely to be in Taranaki during the Summer period, ask them to get in touch with the office and provide a copy of their programme of studies and they will be added to the contact list for when the internship opens.
Ko Kapakapanui te maunga
Ko Waikanae te awa
Ko Tokomaru te waka
Ko Ngāti Mutunga, ko Te Āti Awa, ko Ngāti Tama oku iwi
Ko Whakarongotai ki Waikanae te marae
Nō Waikanae ahau
Ko Holly Ahern toku ingoa.
Institution and Qualification:
Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington, Conjoint Bachelor of Laws and Arts majoring in Criminology and minoring in Social Policy.
Aspirations:
My aspirations are constantly evolving as my knowledge and outlook on life continues to develop. However, I deeply aspire to be able to give back to and provide for my community and whānau throughout my future, as they have done for me. This may include adequate representation of views, upholding key values and so on, which are currently often overlooked and undermined. I feel that my time with Ngāti Mutunga has strengthened such aspirations further, as there is a strong sense of community and manaakitanga that I truly admire.
Overview of your experience with Ngāti Mutunga:
My experience with Ngāti Mutunga has provided me with invaluable knowledge and skills that I can utilise in the present and future in various ways within multiple areas of life, including personal and professional. Furthermore, this opportunity enabled me to gain a real sense of experience within the socio-political, cultural and legal spheres; thus allowing me to explore areas that strongly appeal to me in a supportive environment. Overall, this created a successful and meaningful internship experience that I am incredibly grateful for.
