Education Profile: Caitlin Huria

Caitlin Huria is one of 23 Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō Trust Education Grant recipients for 2018. Caitlin is in her first year at Auckland University, studying Health Science.

 

Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou

Kia ora, I’m Caitlin Huria. I am 17 and from Waikanae on the Kapiti Coast. My parents are

Roland and Leanne Huria. I have an older brother Liam and younger sister, Hannah. My Koro is Hata Peter Huria and my Nan is Horahuia Huria from Hokio Beach. I am a descendent of Hoani Mahuika.

I was a competitive swimmer and played senior netball and basketball at Kapiti College. In September of 2017, my interest and passion to pursue a career in the health sector was ignited when, during our annual basketball game with Paraparaumu College, I tore my anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in my left knee after three minutes on the court. For a young, sporty and inquisitive woman this was very much a life-changing event. Seeing the support from the surgeons and sports medics and caring staff gave me a humbling understanding of what a difference these professionals can make in the community. So began my interest in Health Science.

I have just started at Auckland University and am studying a Foundation Certificate in

Health Science. I am very fortunate to be have been selected under the Māori and Pacifica Admissions Scheme (MAPAS) where I will meet, tautoko and whakawhanaunga with like-minded Māori and Pacific students.

I am very grateful for the financial support and aroha from Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō and I look forward to getting stuck into my study and sharing new insights, knowledge and the journey with whānau and friends, hapū and iwi.

Ngā mihi

Caitlin