Brianna Marvin

Growing up in Auckland, the Hauraki Gulf has always been on Brianna’s doorstep. Her deep affinity with the moana and te taiao was shaped by her time spent in and around the water and Auckland’s coastline. However, it was her interest in how humans interact with the environment that propelled her into her university studies. 

Supported by the Te Paewai o Te Rangi (academic excellence) scholarship, Brianna enrolled in a double major in Ecology, Biodiversity and Māori and Indigenous Studies. She was a campus ambassador making numerous school visits and giving guidance to hundreds of aspiring students.

“I can still vividly remember the mix of excitement and uncertainty I felt during my first few days at Waikato. However, those feelings didn’t last long. I soon found myself wrapped and held in a korowai of love, support, and enduring friendships,” Brianna says.

Each interaction, each moment, has played a part in shaping the fabric of who we are today, preparing us to confidently step into the next chapter of our lives.

Brianna is now working towards a master's, looking at empowering community action and reconnection with te taiao through investigating citizen science case studies, as well as working as a coordinator for two citizen science and mana whenua led kaupapa on Waiheke island.

She aspires to contribute substantially to this discourse around empowering environmental action, particularly for Māori and local communities, striving to unearth actionable insights that can catalyse greater environmental stewardship.

“As I have been reflecting on my own university journey, I have been reminded of the profound lesson I have learnt and embodied during my time at Waikato. To know the importance of unity and collaboration, and to celebrate our gifts that make up our multifaceted identities.

“Here at Waikato, we were fortunate to be in an environment that encouraged us to embody and celebrate every aspect of ourselves.”