Post by University of Canterbury

Stephenie van den Anker recently completed a Master of Māori and Indigenous Leadership and is the first in her whānau to reach this level of academic success 💫 Stephenie is deeply passionate about recognising and challenging inequities within institutional spaces, and about using physical activity, storytelling, and relationship-based approaches as pathways for collective empowerment and wellbeing. Her dissertation, Whakapākari Tāngata (Building People), explores Māori wellbeing, systemic racism, bicultural implementation, and resistance through storytelling within tertiary institutions ❤️🖤 As Kaiwhakahau | Active Recreation Promoter at UC Rec & Sport, Stephenie supports student wellbeing through physical activity guided by te ao Māori values, co-creating inclusive, culturally grounded opportunities with diverse tauira communities while addressing barriers to participation and strengthening Te Tiriti-led practice. We’re honoured to have Stephenie as part of our UC community and acknowledge the whānau, mentors, friends, and communities who continue to support and guide her journey. We look forward to seeing her continue to embed her research into her professional practice, and to supporting her future aspirations, including potential doctoral study. Ngā mihi nui ✨ #UCGrad #UCStudentSuccess #Wellbeing