Teaching Fellow Amber Philpott was “completely shocked” when they announced she had won a major award.
A passion for teaching has earned one educator a top academic honour.
Teaching Fellow Amber Philpott (Ngāi Tahu; Ngāi Tūāhuriri) has been awarded the University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka, Christchurch, Gold Medal, recognising her sustained excellence and academic leadership.
Amber is the first Teaching Fellow to receive the award and the second recipient from the Māori Indigenous Health Innovation (MIHI), after Suzanne Pitama.
Teaching across the medical programme and to postgraduate health professionals, Amber supports tauira through the challenges that come with studying in a demanding degree, she says.
She is also Kairāhi Māori, providing academic, cultural and pastoral support to Māori medical and physiotherapy students.
Though it was not originally her plan to become a teacher, once she started supporting the department, she found she was "actually pretty good at it".
Amber came to recognise the significance of her role in influencing health outcomes beyond the classroom.
“Every student I teach will go on to care for thousands of patients throughout their career, so supporting them to become culturally safe, compassionate clinicians has a ripple effect far beyond the lecture theatres.”
The University of Otago, Christchurch, introduced its Premier Campus Awards and Gold Medals in 2007, recognising staff members for long-term commitment to high-quality education and student development.
Amber says the recognition came as a surprise.
“Honestly, I was completely shocked. When they announced the winner, my first thought was that they must have called out the wrong name.”
She describes teaching as a “collaborative profession”; therefore, the award reflects those who have supported her throughout her career.
“I’ve been fortunate to work alongside amazing colleagues and mentors who have encouraged me, challenged me and supported my growth.”
Te ao Māori continues to shape her approach to teaching.
“It reminds me that learning isn’t just about transferring knowledge – it’s about building trust, creating a sense of belonging and recognising that every learner brings their own strengths and experiences.”
Looking ahead, Amber is focused on digital learning, interactive education design and Indigenous health education.
Her advice to other Māori considering teaching is simple: “Go for it.”
“We need more Māori educators and role models across all areas of health and higher education. Don’t wait until you feel like you know everything. Find mentors who believe in you, stay curious, and remember that your lived experiences and cultural knowledge are strengths that have enormous value.”
-Ani Ngawhika, Kaitohuotohu Pāpāho Māori
Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka, Ōtautahi
Research and study in Christchurch for a career in medicine and health science.
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