Aorere, a proud Māori student in his second year of a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Otago, is majoring in Psychology. He is enthusiastic about the opportunities that matai provides, allowing him to collaborate with world-leading medical research and engage with the community. Coming from a small rural community just outside of Rotorua, Aorere is determined to give back to the village that has shaped him. His goal is to pursue a career in health, inspiring other tauira Māori and challenging the negative narrative that Māori face.