Category: Prime Minister’s Scholarships

Being comfortable with being uncomfortable

Tūwhitia te hopo, mairangatia te angitū – feel the fear and do it anyway! This whakataukī has been a constant in my teenage years, and was particularly important during my first year of University last year. Over the past week, this whakataukī has naturally integrated its way into our conversations and thoughts — it’s a…Continue Reading Being comfortable with being uncomfortable

Sustainability/Regeneration through the Indian Lens

Auroville’s Symphony of Sustainability As the first leg of my ‘Reimagining India’ study tour unfolded, Auroville emerged as an oasis of sustainable living, embodying the principles of regeneration and harmony with the environment. Nestled in the vibrant town of Pondicherry, Auroville beckoned with its iconic structure—the Matrimandir—an architectural masterpiece and a focal point for spiritual…Continue Reading Sustainability/Regeneration through the Indian Lens

The Dream and The Dilemma

Auroville is an experimental township in India. It is a testament to the human aspiration for equality, sustainability and evolution. Established as a utopian community, it’s a melting pot of cultures and ideologies. This reflection explores the striking contrast between Auroville’s ideals and the innate challenges of power dynamics and human nature. Auroville stands as…Continue Reading The Dream and The Dilemma

Making Ourselves at Home in Chile

At first glance, Santiago can feel extremely far from our Pacific homes. My first thought of the city as our LATAM flight flew over majestic mountains was, “Where did the Moana go?” The Island gurl in me is still adjusting to Chile’s most land-locked region as Santiago’s dry heat replaces my usual humid summers, which…Continue Reading Making Ourselves at Home in Chile

A Journey of Tears and Triumphs: Navigating India on a Prime Minister’s Scholarship

As I sit down to articulate my thoughts about my first week in India on a Prime Minister’s Scholarship, I find capturing the essence of this experience in a single blog post challenging.  Our journey has taken us through bustling cities like Chennai, Mahabalipuram, retreats like Coimbatore, and historic gems like Pondicherry. Each destination brought…Continue Reading A Journey of Tears and Triumphs: Navigating India on a Prime Minister’s Scholarship

Beyond Borders: Building a Home in Every City

My grandad once told me, “Imati prijatelje u svakom gradu… to znači imati kuću u svakom gradu,” which translates to “Have friends in every city; this will mean you’ll have a home in every city.” I’ve felt this in several places, but nothing quite compares with the friendships formed within our first five days in…Continue Reading Beyond Borders: Building a Home in Every City

Warm beginnings in Chile

Shannon Mihaere. Rangitane o Tāmaki nui a Rua. Ngāti Porou. Ngai Tai ki Tamaki. Waikato Tainui. I acknowledge the land I am living on as that of the Mapuche people who through their lived realities of colonisation have noticeably felt absent from the hustle and bustle of this wonderful city. I look forward to this…Continue Reading Warm beginnings in Chile