“Obviously it is a different country and things look and sound a bit different but Aotearoa was colonised by the English and so there are a lot of similarities.
“A lot of places back home are named after the original versions here; that was more of a shock, realising how much of what we know is derived from this far away land.
“Isn't that strange when you step back and think about it? Especially considering those places had — and still have — Māori names that were simply discarded or suppressed.”
Roimata had already been considering applying to Oxford University while in New Zealand and decided to enrol in the university's Master of Business Administration course a year ago.
“The MBA is a general management degree that is intended to prepare candidates from diverse backgrounds for leadership roles in corporates, government and non-profits,” she said.
The university says the course helps participants “tackle world-scale problems”, through a one-year programme for “a complex, fragile and increasingly connected world”.
Roimata said her East Coast upbringing set her in good stead to tackle the complex course during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It was weird not to be in the usual packed lecture theatre, but the business school did its best to make sure we had some class time and I actually enjoyed learning via Zoom. It gave me a lot more flexibility to do other things. I felt a lot more relaxed.
“My education traverses almost the entire length of the Ngāti Porou rohe. I started school at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Tāpere-nui-a-Whātonga in Rangitukia, then moved to Rerekohu Area School in Te Araroa when Mum was principal there. At age 9 or 10, I moved to Gisborne to live with my pāpā, my mum's dad, and attended Te Kura Reo Rua o Waikirikiri for a few years; I was in the Reo Māori unit.
Roimata completed most of her schooling at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Waiū o Ngāti Porou, in Ruatoria.
“I was raised in my culture and reo, taught to be proud of who I am and where I come from, and made to believe I could achieve anything. Of course it was daunting applying to Oxford University, and the course itself has been incredibly difficult, but my upbringing gives me a sense of belonging and is a source of strength that has helped to keep me focused.”
Support from home was never far away.
“ I have had so many messages of support and congratulations but, as the saying goes, ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi; engari, he toa takitini, my success does not belong to me alone.
“I could not have done it without the love and support of my husband Luke here with me and my whānau back home, including everyone from my community who I know are cheering me on from afar.
“I'm sad that this chapter of my life is coming to an end. It has been an awesome experience; Oxford is a complicated, magical, challenging place, and I will always look back fondly on my time here. Having said that, I am excited about putting what I've learned into practice and contributing to improving the wellbeing of iwi Māori.
“My husband and I are heading back to Aotearoa towards the end of this year. I've just accepted a role at a leading consulting firm in Wellington, and will be working with Māori organisations and government to create and implement strategies for improving the wellbeing of our people. I can't wait.”
Roimata had a simple message of encouragement for East Coast students contemplating their next steps after school.
“Whatever you want to do, go for it.
“It doesn't have to be university or tertiary education; it doesn't have to be law or business. Choose something you enjoy, make a plan, and go for it. Do not self-select out of your own dreams.”
