Kaiah Bloor, Alumna, set to start new role as Kaiārahi Pūtaiao.
Ko Taranaki te maunga
Ko Waiaua te awa
Ko Kurahaupo te waka
Ko Taranaki, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāruahine ngā iwi
Ko Ngāti Tara te hapū
Ko Orimupiko te marae
Nō Ōpunake ahau
Ko Ratahi tōku whānau
Ko Kaiah Bloor tōku ingoa
Kaiah Bloor (Taranaki, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāruahine), has recently taken up the new role as Kaiārahi Pūtaiao in the Division of Sciences.
Starting as part time, Kaiah will eventually move to full time in December this year.
Born in and raised in Ōpunake, Taranaki, Kaiah moved to Dunedin to pursue her studies.
She graduated from her studies in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Chemistry with a minor in Pharmacology.
After the completion of her studies she was awarded an HRC (Health Research Council) scholarship towards Māori health research, this led to Kaiah taking part in a summer studentship focusing on research about organic synthesis.
Kaiah’s experience she gained from her studentship led her to the role as an Assistant Research Fellow in the Chemistry Department at Ōtakau Whakaihu Waka.
“Working as a kaimahi at the University has been a unique and rewarding experience, vastly different from my time as a student. It has deepened my appreciation for the supportive community the University fosters,” Kaiah says.
Kaiah’s new role as the Kaiārahi Pūtaiao means she will be leading new and existing programmes that support the Division of Sciences Māori student’s academic success.
“I am passionate about supporting tauira Māori, especially in the Sciences space."
She will also be leading the development of a Māori community in the sciences field at the University, as well as working with local and national Māori science communities alongside the Outreach team.
“I was Tumuaki (president) of Te Rōpū Pūtaiao (Māori Science students' association) in my final year of study. Through this role, I developed a strong understanding of the complexities faced by Māori students and the types of support they need to thrive”.
“I hope to bring a fresh perspective to the role, drawing on my recent experiences within the University space”.
-Kōrero by Brigham Riwai-Couch, Māori Communications Adviser
Te Rohe a Ahikāroa
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