Manaaki for whānau and futures
When you ask Eloise Matete what drives her, the answer is simple: whānau. “I’ve lived rurally all my life,” she shares, reflecting on her move to Whangārei to make study and placements more manageable. “I moved my family down here, and I’m lucky to live next door to my mum. That support has made all the difference.”
Now in her final year of a Bachelor of Health Science (Midwifery) at AUT University in Auckland, Eloise (Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Porou) balances the demands of study, placements, and motherhood. “It’s a challenge with children – I do miss out on a lot. But it’s worth it. My kids see me studying, and it’s role modelling for them.”
Growing up in Ōmāpere and Kaikohe, Eloise was inspired by her aunties – both midwives – and by her own experiences as a mother, which sparked her passion for health and caring for whānau. “It’s that combination of science and looking after Māori māmā and whānau through advocacy and aroha. That excites me,” she says.
Eloise’s journey has brought her full circle. Returning to rohe and familiar whenua. This has given her the chance to support whānau in spaces that feel like home. Through her placements across rural Māori communities, she’s had the opportunity and privilege to work closely with whānau during some of life’s most significant and precious moments. For Eloise, earning that trust and walking alongside whānau during their maternity journey stands out as one of her proudest achievements.
She’s clear about the impact she hopes to make: “Helping Māori whānau navigate a mainstream health system that wasn’t designed for them and providing care through a Te ao Māori lens – making sure whānau can make decisions for themselves, in spaces that feel safe and familiar. I’ve been inspired to believe that kaupapa Māori maternity care should be something we see every day, not something we have to negotiate for. Culturally grounded care is not an add-on; it is a vital foundation for the wellbeing of our whānau.”
The support of a scholarship has eased financial pressures, allowing Eloise to focus on her studies and placements. “I’m very grateful. My great-grandfather served in the Māori Battalion; his name was Karena Kahi Stephens. He paved the way for opportunities like this scholarship.”
Eloise shares she’s proud of her whakapapa connections: “My tīpuna, Pāpāhia, signed Te Tiriti ō Waitangi and said, ‘He, indeed! He to be high, very high, like Maungataniwha, and we low on the ground; nothing but little hills. No, no, no! Let us be equal.’ Not only do his words remind me that leadership should always be grounded in humility and equality; but they also act as a reminder that my mahi is bigger than me. It’s about carrying forward the aspirations of those who came before.”
For those considering midwifery or further study, Eloise shares an empowering tohutohu. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that sometimes all you need is one person to believe in you, and if no one else does, let it be me. I want to spark that fire in your puku – that drive, that courage, that reminder that you’re capable of more than you realise. Don’t be afraid to upgrade, to level up, and to chase what lights you up. Your journey might look different, but it’s still powerful and you deserve to stand in that space with pride.”
Looking ahead, Eloise hopes to qualify as a registered midwife, serve her local Māori communities, and eventually help create a maternity system that’s culturally safe and Māori-led. “For me, it’s not just a career. It’s a calling to uplift the whole whānau, to restore trust and confidence.”
As she prepares for her final placements and the transition from student to practitioner, Eloise remains grounded in gratitude. “I’ve had so many people shape me as the Māori midwife I am now. They’ve given me a voice, and I’m proud to walk this path in honour of those who came before me.”
About the Sir Āpirana Ngata Memorial Scholarship
The scholarship was created by the Māori Soldiers Trust Act 1957 to promote higher education of Māori. Funding for the scholarship comes from Hereheretau Station, Wairoa, the major asset of the Māori Soldiers Trust.
The scholarship is administered by the Māori Trustee and Te Tumu Paeroa, on behalf of the Māori Soldiers Trust Committee.
All those with whakapapa Māori that are studying at tertiary level are eligible for the scholarship, with descendants of Māori World War I veterans given priority.
You can find out more about the scholarship here.