Vote for the Medworld Institute

Candidate has dedicated countless hours to advocating for fellow medical students. As AUMSA President in 2024, they were instrumental in establishing the equity committee and improving the fitness to practice process, creating lasting change. From policy reform to peer support, their work has focused on equity and well-being. After years of behind-the-scenes effort, they’ve stepped back due to financial pressure but hopes this scholarship will allow them to return to advocacy and continue supporting future doctors to feel empowered and heard.

Coming from a large family in rural New Zealand, the candidate has always been passionate about supporting others. They've held eight executive roles across AUMSA, Grassroots, and SORHA. As AUMSA President, they focus on student welfare, launching mentorship programs, peer events, and a housing platform for clinical years. Through Grassroots, they led wellbeing initiatives and community engagement. With SORHA, they organised rural outreach trips and championed rural health. They are dedicated to doing what they can to create a supportive, connected medical student community.

Candidate is a supportive, positive presence at UoA Med School. As NZMSA pre-clinical rep, they advocate for student wellbeing and co-founded a mentoring programme with AUMSA. Through their role at NZMSA, they contribute to mahi in organising events. They’re a mentor and Director of Events for the Women in Health Network, helping female students across health specialties connect and support each other. They are a familiar, caring face on campus, always ready to listen, offer encouragement, and check in on peers. Their dedication to community and wellbeing has made a meaningful impact on students around them.

As the Pasifika Rep on the AUMSA Exec, candidate advocates for Pacific Islander and Māori students, creating safe spaces and promoting cultural safety. They help students navigate the pressures of medical school and voice concerns through AUMSA and MAPAS. They're part of the MAPAS programme, which supports academic and mental wellbeing through tutorials and mentoring. They've also worked as a MAPAS tutor and mentor, helping junior students feel supported and included. 

As President of Free Mock MMI, the candidate led a student-run initiative providing free medical school interview preparation to promote equitable access. In response to COVID-19, successfully transitioned online to break barriers to access, delivering over 1,700 interviews to 250+ applicants and launching a tutorial website — entirely without university funding. Now a registered charity, the initiative has continued to expand via social media. Despite financial constraints, this role has deepened their passion for continued advocacy of mentorship and equity in healthcare education.