Alyssa Mataiti: A journey grounded in whānau

Alyssa Mataiti, Ngāti Kahungungu, Ngāti Pāhauwera, grew up in Wellington and spent her final years of high school in Manawatū, which led her to continue her studies at Massey University, completing a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Psychology.

For Alyssa, university was never just an individual journey. It was one grounded in whānau and inspired by those who came before her.

“My auntie was the first graduate in our family. She paved the way for me to look into going to university,” she says. 

That sense of whakapapa and possibility carried Alyssa through her studies, particularly during the more demanding moments. While she admits that psychology was challenging, it was also deeply rewarding.

“The whole lot is challenging actually,” she laughs. “But I’m glad I’ve got good support on both sides of my whānau who have my kids and give me that time to go off by myself and study.”

Among her highlights at Massey, Alyssa says she was especially drawn to learning about how the brain works, and she found Indigenous psychology particularly meaningful.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time. Even the Indigenous psychology papers have been really fun for me as well.”

Graduation day was all about celebrating with her whānau. “It’s so great to be here with my whānau and graduating,” she says.

Alyssa isn’t finished at Massey just yet and plans to return this year to continue her studies with Honours.

For future students considering university study, she says, “I just want to wish them all the best. Keep working hard, stay on top of time management, and be organised with all the assignments.”