A journey shaped by whānau and sport, driven by a passion for Māori health and education

“I am unapologetically Māori. Things Māori are central to what I do and so I am constantly reflecting on how things Māori can feature or be the main element of what I deliver and how that can benefit our Te Tiriti-led strategy”. This philosophy shapes the work of Dr Bevan Erueti. As the Associate Dean of Māori for the College of Health and an Associate Professor in the School of Health Sciences, Dr Erueti is deeply involved in weaving Te Tiriti o Waitangi-led initiatives into teaching, learning and research, all in effort to ensure that Te Tiriti can have meaningful impact across his many responsibilities.

A journey grounded in whānau and sport

Born in Ngāmotu (New Plymouth), Dr Erueti has spent most of his life in Te Pāpāioea (Palmerston North), but without hesitation says that “Taranaki will always be home”. Growing up as the youngest of nine siblings, with four brothers and four sisters, whānau and sport, and education were central to his life. His mother, Doreen Ngāwai Erueti (McLeod), who passed away just two months before graduating with his PhD in 2015 was a native speaker of te reo Māori, and his father, Whetu Marama Erueti, passed away when he was just five years old.

“When my father passed away, we became completely reliant on the social welfare system,” he shares. Reflecting on his upbringing, Dr Erueti describes his mum as the quintessential ‘stay at home mother’ who given their social welfare income created miracles every day. “I really felt that I never I had less than anyone else, and there wasn’t a day where I didn’t feel loved, cared for, or safe. Most importantly, Mum would not let our social welfare background define ‘our potential’ or ‘what we could achieve’; therefore, school and education were central to our home and a non-negotiable.”

“Mum was, and will always be my role model,” Dr Erueti says.

Sport also played a crucial role in his upbringing. Introduced to various sports by his older siblings, Dr Erueti recognised its significance as an avenue for Māori to gain mana (integrity, prestige) in both Māori and Pākehā societies. 

“In hindsight, I now know that all they wanted for me was to experience and enjoy the same feelings of success they had experienced and enjoyed.” However, growing up with limited exposure to te reo Māori me ngā tikanga, Dr Erueti initially distanced himself from his Māori identity, seeking social acceptance through sport and particularly volleyball, which appeared very Pākehā dominated.

Although Dr Erueti rarely faced explicit prejudice in elite sport, he now recognises that this was because he had unconsciously suppressed his Māori heritage to fit in. Over time, his perspective shifted, and he fully embraced his Māori identity, recognising the deep cultural significance of sport in shaping belonging and resilience. His doctoral thesis explored this very phenomenon and channels this understanding into his academic work, ensuring that Māori perspectives are central to any conversations where health and wellbeing, sport, physical activity and education converge.

From student to academic leader

Dr Erueti’s academic journey began in 1993 at the then Te Kūpenga o te Mātauranga (Palmerston North Teachers College), now part of Massey University’s Institute of Education. His loyalty to Massey runs deep. “Massey has my undying loyalty. It provided me with a strong foundation, and I will always feel that way,” he says.

After graduating, Dr Erueti pursued a teaching career in health and physical education, initially at Hato Pāora College and then at Queen Elizabeth College. He met his wife soon after, and upon marrying, they became the managers and dorm parents of Blair Tennant Hostel, where he had stayed as a student. It was also during this period that Dr Erueti was awarded a graduate assistantship scholarship by the newly rebranded Massey University College of Education, formally the Palmerston North (Teachers) College of Education (PNCE).

His start into academia was not without challenges. While completing his master’s degree, Dr Erueti served as a Māori student advisor at Te Uru Māraurau, the School of Māori Knowledge at the College of Education but was unsuccessful in securing a permanent role as an academic staff member in either the Māori or Health and PE departments. Determined to continue his journey, he accepted a position at Victoria University, with Te Kura Māori, the Māori studies department at the then Victoria University College of Education in teacher education. He commuted from Palmerston North for five years before returning to Massey in 2010 in a part time position before securing a full-time permanent position with the newly formed School of Sport and Exercise (now the School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition). This marked the beginning of Dr Erueti’s deep involvement in academic leadership.

Dr Erueti and his wife Professor Eloise Jillings.

Integrating Māori knowledge into education

Dr Erueti’s academic philosophy is deeply influenced by his teaching background and the mentorship he received from Māori academics such as Associate Professor Dennis Slade, Professor Farah Palmer and Professor Brendan Hokowhitu who instilled a strong passion for teaching and research in health and physical education, sport sociology, and teacher education. Emeritus Professor Sir Mason Durie and Lady Arohia Durie, were also instrumental in developing a strong sense of the symbiotic nature of the two main areas of which he works: health and education.

“I’ve had a really privileged upbringing in academia,  working and being developed by internationally renowned academics and leaders in their respected fields who instilled in me the responsibility to embed Māori knowledge in all that I do.” His efforts have led to significant shifts in the College of Health, where Te Tiriti-led initiatives are becoming integral to teaching and course delivery. One of the significant steps forward has been the opportunity to be involved in the Kaiārahi Tiriti project, which brings together over 45 staff members from academic and professional areas to upskill, share and give effect to Te Tiriti across the university.

Shaping an inclusive academic environment

Dr Erueti has played a key role in ensuring that Massey University’s curriculum actively integrates both mātauranga (knowledge) and tikanga (traditions and customs) Māori. Beyond curriculum changes, he has also been instrumental in shaping exam convening guidelines to reflect Māori traditions. With fellow academic Dr Pania Te Maro, Dr Erueti envisioned an approach that mirrors a marae setting – welcoming students in a pōwhiri-like process, engaging in academic discourse, and concluding with shared kai.

“Our role as academics is a privileged one. It is our responsibility to uplift Māori communities, ensuring that our research and teaching serve their needs,” Dr Erueti explains.

Dr Erueti recognises the challenges of retaining Māori academics within the university, as many choose to return to their communities to make a direct impact. “If I was looking at an initiative that needs to occur, it is to advance our teaching, learning and research agendas towards building flourishing Māori communities regardless of the nature of our work,” he says.

Despite the challenges, Dr Erueti remains optimistic about Massey University’s commitment to Te Tiriti principles. “I’m glad I am at Massey working with people who are supportive and united in mobilising and socialising the variety of Te Tiriti initiatives across the College of Health and with those who are making some really positive change, impact and influence across our wider Massey University whānau and community.”

Advice for students

For students looking to integrate Te Tiriti o Waitangi provisions into their studies and future careers, Dr Erueti emphasises the importance of meaningful engagement.

“Our graduates need to feel that they can confidently and appropriately engage with Māori communities, understanding Māori models of well-being, and knowing how to seek out the right resources,” he advises. He continues, “For some of our students, this learning can be an uncomfortable exercise, but that process of reflection and moving towards becoming consciously competent can only be better for creating a workforce that will meet the needs of Māori in health and education.” 

Dr Erueti aspires to return to Taranaki as an academic or a “pracademic” – actively engaged in their community. “My aspiration is to get back home to Taranaki,” but “I love my job! I have awesome colleagues. I’m lucky to be a part of some really cool initiatives and projects, all of which has provided some massive opportunities, yeah…I just really love my job!”