Cyrus Rudd

NGĀTI RAUKAWA, MUAŪPOKO, NGĀTI WHAKAUE, NGĀTI MAIOTAKI

Cyrus Rudd is a promising young individual who is deeply committed to using his knowledge and experiences to inspire and uplift others, especially those with lived experiences of mental distress.

His academic journey has been a blend of psychology, pharmacology, marketing, and language studies, currently unfolding at the University of Auckland, where he is majoring in Psychology, Pharmacology, and Marketing, alongside pursuing a certificate in Korean language. His Māori heritage, primarily from the iwi of Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga, Muaūpoko, and Ngāti Whakaue (Te Arawa), significantly influences his values and ambitions.

Central to Cyrus's identity are the values of empathy, reciprocity, and shared learning. These values are deeply interwoven into his personal and professional relationships, forming the backbone of his interactions and mentorship ethos. His empathic understanding emerges from personal adversities, including familial struggles and loss, providing him with a genuine insight into the challenges of others, particularly rangatahi facing unique challenges.

Cyrus’s academic excellence is well recognised, having been honoured with the Matariki Māori Psychologies Rising Stars Award and the prestigious Ana Hinerangi Sokratov scholarship. His academic journey started early, at the age of 16, and continues to be driven by a strong desire to delve deeper into clinical and forensic psychology through postgraduate and potentially Doctoral studies.

Besides academia, Cyrus is actively involved in giving back to the community. His role as a Tuakana (Teaching Assistant) at the University of Auckland allows him to support Māori and Pasifika students, embodying his belief in shared learning and reciprocal growth. His international stints, including an 8-week internship in Bangkok, Thailand, and a spring semester at Korea University, Seoul, Korea, have broadened his perspectives further enriched by exchanging Māori culture with international peers.

Cyrus’s ultimate goal is driven by a mix of personal, academic, and cultural motivations - better to understand and support individuals experiencing mental distress. This vision extends to addressing the overrepresentation of rangatahi in clinical and forensic systems and creating spaces where people feel comfortable sharing their experiences and working towards collective solutions.

Through his evolving journey, Cyrus aspires to continue making a positive difference by promoting mental and social well-being based on the principles of empathy and shared learning.

Links:

Scholarship helps student chase dream of supporting Māori youth.

Prime Minister's Scholarship for Asia 2022/2023 individual awardees

Scholarships for Tertiary Study

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2023

He Rangatira Our Leaders

Sarah Kinred

Ngāti Whātua, Waikato, Ngāti Koata, Te Atiawa, Manx

Sarah Kinred is a trained teacher with over 20 years of experience teaching and creating programs for students. Sarah also has over ten years of experience working as a Mātauranga Māori specialist within mental health and addictions, and she is committed to ensuring that tino rangatiratanga and mana motuhake is paramount for Māori, especially when engaging in the health system.

Tracee Te Huia

Te Pōpoto, Uri Taniwha, Ngāti Rehia, Ngāti Kapotai ngā hapū Ngapuhi te Iwi He whāngai hoki ahau ki Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga

Tracee Te Huia has an explicit knowledge and understanding of the health and social atrocities related to Maori in Aotearoa.

Aroha Keremeta Metcalf

Raukawa ki Wharepūhunga, Ngāti Maniapoto

Her work is focused on ensuring future health services are firmly underpinned by a kaupapa Māori approach, informed by mātauranga Māori and lived experience.

Dr Catherine Mārie Amohia Love

Te Ātiawa, Taranaki, Ngāti Ruanui, Nga Ruahinerangi

Catherine Love was born and raised on her papakainga (communal Māori land) in Korokoro, Pito-one (Petone) with her parents, grandparents and whānau whānui (wider family).