Lifting more than weights

Supported by the Sir Āpirana Ngata Memorial Scholarship, Jamie (Ngai tai ki tamaki and Te Aitanga a maahaki) is researching the ways in which weightlifting can be strengthened by mana wāhine values.

With a focus on ‘strong body, strong mind’ Jamie’s study through Massey University is part of a wider Marsden sport for development project. “Sport, movement and exercise has been a vessel for me for building strength – mentally, physically and culturally, so I wanted to explore that connection deeper,” said Jamie. Her research focuses on using te ao Māori perspectives, via sport, to become stronger in different aspects of life, including mental resilience, strength, building relationships, leadership and to have a voice.

As a competitive weightlifter and a strength and fitness coach, Jamie is able to test her research with the teams and individuals she helps to train. Putting theory into practice immediately, she tests the effectiveness of coaching conversations grounded in te reo Māori and te ao Māori concepts. This might include referring to atua (gods) or including whakaaro on ikura (menstrual cycle). For example, standard coaching cues are reframed for cultural significance.

“When pushing off the ground for a sprint, we might simply say, ‘use the ground for force.’ But I’d say ‘use Papatuānuku for force. She is your strength. She is power and will help you drive forward,’” Jamie explains.

This analogy has resulted in some ‘aha moments’ for the wāhine that Jamie works with and has seen positive, motivating results. “They will think about their training in a different way. Rather than just thinking about moving faster, they’re thinking about what’s making them move faster.” 

The research also delves into how creating safe spaces through whānau structures can be beneficial for training. “It’s about feeling like a whānau with the people they’re training with. Building relationships across age ranges. As an example, a number of the teenage women in the group look up to the women who are a little older for inspiration. Looking at their lifestyles and what they do for work. It can be beneficial having that role model outside of your initial whānau,” said Jamie.

While focusing on research that will undoubtedly lead to positive outcomes for wāhine Māori, it is not without its challenges. Jamie says that there is an “emotional weight that comes with kaupapa Māori research. Holding space for wāhine Māori is a privilege but it’s heavy as well.” In addition, her research has involved finding out more about colonisation, which has had an unexpected impact. “With my previous study based around sports science, I never really understood colonisation deeply before doing this study. Which has been quite an emotional journey for me at times.” 

Receiving a Sir Āpirana Ngata scholarship was hugely helpful for her, she said life as a mum, fitness coach, athlete and academic is a balancing act so it enabled her to work less hours and put more time into her study.  It was also a reaffirming endorsement, “that the kaupapa does matter and our people are important,” she said.

Coming to tertiary study in her mid-twenties, Jamie has this advice for people who are thinking of applying for a scholarship or furthering their tertiary education.

“Be brave. Have confidence in yourself and back yourself, no matter what your background is. I left school when I was 16 and I had my first son when I was 17. I never thought I’d be sitting here doing a PhD. I didn’t know what a PhD was! So trust yourself, trust you’re intelligent enough to do things, hold space for your Māori brothers and sisters and back each other up as well,” she said.  

Applications for the Sir Āpirana Ngata Memorial Scholarship, which is administered by Te Tumu Paeroa on behalf of the Māori Soldiers Trust, are open now, closing 1 May 2025.

All Māori studying at a tertiary level in 2025 are encouraged to apply. More information, including how to apply for the scholarship, is available on the Te Tumu Paeroa website: Sir Āpirana Ngata Memorial Scholarship | Te Tumu Paeroa