kateedgertrust

Dr. Susan Nemec (BA, MA, PhD) – Alumni Stories

February 11, 2025

From Auckland to Africa: A Journey of Empowerment

Dr. Susan Nemec (BA, MA, PhD), a proud alumna of Kate Edger Foundation and the University of Auckland (UoA) with qualifications centered around Media and Communication, exemplifies how education can transform lives and communities. Reflecting on her academic journey, Susan shared that pursuing her PhD enabled her to critically engage with civic society and take practical steps toward creating a more sustainable and just world.

 

In 2006, Susan was awarded the Tressa Thomas Retraining Award from the Kate Edger Foundation. This financial award helped contribute in supporting her pursuit of academic excellence and professional growth. She recalls feeling deeply supported by the scholarship, particularly as her research at the time diverged from the university’s primary areas of focus.

 

Currently, Susan works at the University of Auckland Business School, where her career has focused on empowering Women, Māori, and Pasifika students. Her role as an educator and mentor underscores her belief in the transformative power of education. She credits her scholarship as a significant stepping stone in her journey, providing crucial support during a pivotal time.

 

Beyond academia, Susan is deeply involved in social justice and Treaty education as well as being involved in a ‘Project Moroto’ a programme in Uganda, assisting young women with their business ideas. She also takes pride in inspiring her two daughters, who are making their mark in the fields of medicine and business.

Dr. Susan Nemec’s story reminds us that education is a lifelong journey that extends its impact well beyond the classroom.

Sonakssi Ramilan – Awardee Speaker 2024

October 9, 2024

Kia ora and Vanakkam,

My name is Sona and it is an absolute honour to be here as the recipient of the Women in Medicine Award, and a privilege to see the strength and support here today. 

This afternoon, I’ve been asked to share my journey and aspirations, so I’ll start with a bit about myself. 

I am a fifth-year student, one year away from completing a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Auckland. I’m currently doing clinical placements, rotating through hospitals and specialties. 

I’ve spent most of 2024 in the Counties Manukau District with placement at Middlemore Hospital being an eye opening experience, delving into diagnoses, diversity, and the systemic disparities that affect many in the region. As I move closer towards becoming a doctor, the balance between humanistic qualities and practical skills continues to amaze me with each specialty being uniquely empowering.

Being a science-oriented learner and a people person, going into health simply seemed to make sense. Since a young age, I’ve seen the difference doctors can make and I wanted to share my kindness and passion in such a way to help people when they’re most vulnerable. Many say Medical School isn’t easy, but it’s a rewarding challenge that has helped me grow through my early years of adulthood while simultaneously living life to the fullest with friends, family, and extracurriculars.

Every day is different, and being in such a career path is beyond a privilege as strangers trust you with the hope of health and healing. There’s always more to see, learn and do. This week, I’ve spent a day around those with intellectual disabilities, a few in the emergency department, and time with outreach immunisations as part of my paediatrics rotation. It’s inspiring to see the variety in career choices filled with ambition seen within this room, with Kate Edger and The Graduation Place bringing us together to celebrate success in the past, present, and future. 

As a doctor, I hope to empower and educate my patients, colleagues, and friends both within and outside the medical field. Being born in Sri Lanka, and raised in Aotearoa, Australia, and India has curated a passion for creating change on an international scale. As I advance in medicine, I want to combine my passion for creating systems level change with my interest in practical work to make a difference for my patients, communities, and wider populations as a future leader.  

Throughout my 5 years at Uni, I’ve seen the unequal representation of females in leadership and surgical fields and being a Director for the Women in Health Network empowered me to consider this. The Women in Medicine Award resonates this idea and has supported me as I continue to work towards success in the field as a young, female, Kiwi Sri Lankan doctor in training. I’ll end by saying a huge thank you to the Kate Edger Foundation, and I’m excited to see the multidisciplinary talent in this room shape the future of Aotearoa. 

Kind regards,

Sonakssi Ramilan

Samantha Vehikite – Bed, Bath & Beyond graduate

June 18, 2024

One of three annual awards generously sponsored by Bed, Bath & Beyond, this $5,000 award is to assist a woman enrolled in a three-year degree course at the Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT).

Samantha Vehikite pictured (right) with Carolyn Brown from Bed, Bath & Beyond and Nina Tomaszyk from Kate Edger Foundation received the inaugural award in 2019 as she was about to embark on a 3 year Bachelor of Nursing degree with MIT.  Samantha says that receiving the award played a huge role in achieving her goal of becoming a nurse.

” From a young age, I was never set on a career pathway and continued to change my mind however, my desire and passion to improve people’s lives and provide support to those in need never changed.  A career path in Nursing enabled me to fulfill this drive and passion.
Completing my bachelor’s degree has come with its challenges, especially with the limitations of COVID-19, but it also enabled me to increase my drive and passion and has deepened my love for nursing significantly. “

Samantha finished her degree at the beginning of December and is now officially a Registered Nurse, a dream come true after 3 years of hard work and dedication.  She has also been offered her dream job of surgical nursing at Middlemore Hospital, beginning in 2023.

” Since beginning my degree, I have experienced many amazing opportunities and experiences that have inspired and driven me as well as made me fall in love with this career pathway. These experiences have enabled me to see life and how quickly it can change and as a result has made me thankful for all the opportunities open to me.  I want to thank the Kate Edger Foundation and Bed, Bath & Beyond for allowing me the opportunity to be a recipient of this scholarship and for your amazing support towards me throughout.”

Mira Askari – Awardee Speaker 2023

September 14, 2023

ia ora koutou, ko akbara te maunga, ko urdun te awa, ko al jalil te moana, ko tamaki toku kainga, no falesteen a iraq ahau, ko askari toku whanau, ko Mira toku ingoa.

It is with immense gratitude and humility that I stand before you today as a recipient of the Kate Edger Women in Law Award. I am truly honored to represent not only myself but also the exceptional group of awardees who share a common aspiration – the pursuit of education with a purpose. This award resonates deeply with the values upheld by the Trust’s remarkable namesake, Kate Edger, a visionary advocate of women’s education and empowerment.

As I reflect on my journey, I am reminded of the pivotal role that Kate Edger’s legacy has played in shaping my path. I stand here not merely as a recipient of an award, but as a product of the ideals that Kate Edger personifiedthe belief that education goes beyond the boundaries of the classroom and equips us with the tools to create a better world.

Kate Edger’s unwavering dedication to women’s education and her advocacy for change through civic engagement deeply resonate with the work I am privileged to do today. The legal profession, much like Kate’s fight for suffrage, holds the power to effect transformative change. Just as she championed women’s rights through education and civic participation, I see the legal field as a conduit for justice and progress. In a world where equality and justice are not always guaranteed, I am committed to using my skills and knowledge to advocate for those whose voices are often unheard, to uphold the principles of fairness and equality that Kate herself held dear.

In addition to my studies, I’m deeply committed to making a positive impact in the law school community. As a co-Equity Officer at the Law School, I engage in addressing student equity issues both in the law school and beyond. Working closely with the Faculty equity staff, I ensure that the concerns of our diverse student body are heard and acted upon effectively. I’m proud to lead the Equity Council, which brings together various Law School equity groups like Māori, Pasifika, Asian, and Rainbow law clubs. Through this collaborative effort, we’re striving to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities and bring about fairness.

Part of my job is also connecting directly with fellow law students to ensure their equity-related concerns are properly addressed by the Faculty. This means building an inclusive and supportive environment within the law school, which is both challenging and fulfilling. My role as an Equity Officer lets me contribute to creating a better experience for diverse law students, something I deeply value.

Outside of my Equity Officer role, my passion for humanitarian causes drives me to participate in groups like Amnesty on Campus and Student Justice for Palestine. These opportunities have allowed me to actively advocate for human rights and raise awareness about crucial social justice issues. I’ve also been fortunate to contribute to campaigns promoting equality for marginalized communities.

When Kate Edger boldly applied for a university scholarship under the gender-neutral initials K. Edger, she exemplified courage and determination that continues to inspire. Her determination to learn and excel in a predominantly male academic environment is a testament to the perseverance that resides within us all. In a field like law, it’s common to battle imposter syndrome, feeling inadequate or out of place. However, just like Kate Edger’s pioneering spirit, we must rise above these doubts. Remember, our unique voices and perspectives are essential for reshaping the legal landscape.

Kate Edger’s legacy extends far beyond her own achievements; it lives on through the lives she touched and the ideals she instilled. The values she upheld, emphasizing intellectual achievement, humility, and public service, continue to shape generations of women striving to make a difference. Her legacy is evident not only in the halls of academia but also in the very fabric of society, as women like me endeavor to break barriers and drive positive change.

Today, as I accept this award with gratitude in my heart, I extend my appreciation to the Kate Edger Trust Board for recognizing the potential in each of us and for keeping Kate Edger’s vision alive through this remarkable initiative. This award is not merely a recognition of my personal accomplishments; it is a recognition of the collective potential that education and determination hold to shape a brighter future.

Sarah Byrne – Master of Music Therapy Awardee

June 1, 2023

Sarah Byrne

Student Music Therapist at the Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust & 2023 recipient of The KEECT Master of Music Therapy Award sponsored by Mr. Ellis Coxon & supported by The Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust. 

Sarah is based in Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty and has started her second semester of the Master of Music Therapy Programme at Victoria University in Wellington.  She will be working with the regional Bay of Plenty Raukatauri team during her placement.

Sarah grew up learning classical piano and enjoys working with a variety of instruments as well as voice. Alongside her music studies, Sarah has a post-graduate degree in primary teaching.  As a teacher, she has experienced first hand the power of music in the classroom environment to support children with emotional and behavioural issues, and is is especially passionate about the ability of music to improve the wellbeing/hauora of our tamariki.

Having worked in a number of community-focused organisations previously, Sarah believes music therapy has a special role to play in supporting self-expression and identity building for people of all ages and backgrounds.  She hopes through her connections with the teaching and music communities in her area to be able to expand the role of music therapy in schools.

Outside of music therapy, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family, reading and exploring the wonderful nature of New Zealand.

Sinead Hegarty – Master of Music Therapy Awardee

Sinead Hegarty

Student Music Therapist at the Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust & 2023 recipient of The KEECT Master of Music Therapy Award sponsored by the Gattung Foundation & supported by The Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust. 

Sinead lives in the Hawkes Bay and is in her final year studying for a Master of Music Therapy degree at Victoria University. This scholarship comes with a monetary award of $8,000 and a minimum 750 hour placement with the Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust. Sinead has chosen a highly important topic for her Masters research, based around how music therapy might be used to support community wellbeing during times of high stress and instability. We are thrilled to support Sinead’s journey towards a career in music therapy.

“I am beyond grateful to be selected as a recipient, I am excited and privileged to be able to carry out my final year of Masters research and placement in my home town. Due to the impact Cyclone Gabrielle has had on Hawkes bay, I am interested in looking at the role of music therapy in building and strengthening communities significantly impacted. I am particularly interested in trauma-informed, community based and bicultural ways of working. Through my placement with Raukatauri and support from this scholarship I hope to deepen my understanding of my emerging practice and develop an authentic way of working as a music therapist to support individuals and communities to access inner resources and tools to support healing and wellbeing. I feel empowered and well supported by this scholarship and the inspiring team at Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust.” Sinead

Sinead’s musical background is predominantly in guitar, singing and song writing, having completed a diploma of music from Hawkes Bay’s Eastern institute of technology. Sinead enjoys the relational aspects of music and aims to develop a practice that facilitates safe and inclusive spaces for people to experience a genuine sense of belonging.

Through her study so far, Sinead has experience working with adults with intellectual disability and adults and adolescents experiencing complex mental health challenges.

Before studying music therapy, Sinead completed a bachelor of science in genetics at Otago and afterwards travelled overseas, living in Spain and Morocco. Sinead has a deep respect for non-western world views and believes in the importance of inter-cultural dialogue. Sinead hopes to continue developing cultural competency through her placement and professional development with Raukatauri.

Keisha Rawiri – Awardee Speaker 2022

July 13, 2022

Abridged from an article originally published by the Unitec Media Team, June 2022

Bachelor of Architecture graduate and Ngā Wai A Te Tūī researcher Keisha Rawiri (Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Hāmoa) pictured on the left with her mother, has been awarded one of The KEECT Master’s Awards valued at $8000 to help fund her Master of Architecture (Professional) Project supporting the regeneration of the Tau Henare Marae in Te Taitokerau (Northland).

KEECT Awards Coordinator Katrina Ford says Keisha’s hard work and determination to succeed combined with dedication to her whānau and community epitomizes the values of the Trust.  “What made her application special compared to the many other excellent applications is how her referees spoke about how Keisha supports her colleagues and fellow students, despite her many commitments. The application process for the Master’s Degree Awards is very competitive. This is the first time a student from Unitec has received one of our Master’s Awards, so we hope that Keisha’s success will encourage other Unitec students to apply.”

It is a significant milestone for Keisha, who took up her studies as a mature student to pursue her dream as a teenager of becoming an architect.  She says that her interest sprang from a keen interest in art and having an analytical brain. “I figured architecture was a great way to put them together, but my high school didn’t have the resources or the programmes to support jumping into architecture at the time”. 

After leaving school, she moved to Australia and ‘life happened’.  She pursued a career in banking and finance for 8 years alongside having her family, before deciding it was time to finally follow her dream of becoming an architect.

“The KEECT were also part of my beginning architectural studies journey. In my first year, I applied to them for a scholarship to start my studies and was awarded a $2000 Tressa Thomas Retraining award, which assists mature women to retrain in a profession.”

“One of the big things for me was that I was born and raised Samoan. I grew up with a solo mother who returned to study as a mature student. My mother modelled age should never be an obstacle to further education. I also grew up surrounded by my nana and grandpa, who were fluent in Samoan and ensured that my Samoan identity was strong. Unfortunately, I didn’t have an established relationship with my father, who is Māori.  Then I had this reconnection with my whakapapa on his side that sprang from an internship with Matakohe Architecture and Urbanism in Whangārei during the second year of my Bachelor’s Degree”

Keisha’s Master’s project represents an extremely significant journey of connection on both a professional and personal level.

“Through the internship journey, I visited my marae and participated in their Waimā Waita Waiora wānanga, staying two nights. That was about caring for our wai and protecting the life of tuna (eel), which has a significant role in our hapū narratives. Through that, I connected with my extended whānau on my father’s side and that’s where my journey started. ” 

Through discussion with whānau, one of the aspirations that initiated the research project was to breathe life back into Ngā Tau e Toru, the original wharenui of Tau Henare marae built in 1893, before the larger Tau Henare whare tupuna was built in the mid-19th century.

For a long time, it housed the Kōhanga Reo, with koro and kuia sharing knowledge with mokopuna with te reo, but over the years natural wear and tear meant it became unsafe for whānau use. Eventually, it was disestablished as a functioning whare on the marae and now sits vacant and unutilised.
“As a research project, it is quite special because through the process of whakawhanaungatanga and as the researcher, because of my whakapapa connection, I share a strong relationship with the people and the place and further expresses the Kaupapa Māori lens the research project is adopting. For Māori, whakapapa, history, and cultural narratives are passed down and Ngā Tau e Toru is part of the marae history, a precious taonga. It is about the narrative”

Keisha hopes that her project will provide the vision and scope for the original wharenui to be brought back to life, bringing the history of Nga Tau e Toru forward rather than sitting unutilised.
“Tau Henare marae whānau will receive the final report as a koha – as a thank you for their time and contribution. The hope is that they can use it as a design advocacy report to support the marae’s current and future aspirations. It will include a visual representation of Ngā Tau e Toru’s regeneration where hapū were in the driver’s seat, leading the visioning, aspirations, and design development.”

The Kate Edger Trust looks forward to following and supporting Keisha on her Master’s journey.

Lina Tangata-Tearetoa – Māori/Pasifika Midwifery Awardee

October 20, 2021

When Lina applied to receive this award, it was her compassion and determination that made her a stand-out candidate.  Lina is a busy mother to 4 young children (including twins) and is being supported by her husband to complete her degree, which means long hours of work for her husband and many sacrifices for the family along the way.  One of the biggest financial impacts of receiving the award was being able to afford to buy a laptop for her studies – for almost 2 years, she had completed (and passed) all her assignments on her phone.

Less than 10 percent of midwives identify as Māori and less than 3 percent as Pasifika. However, figures from the New Zealand College of Midwives showed 25 percent of Aotearoa’s birthing population in 2018 identified as Māori, and 10 percent as Pasifika.   Lina believes that there are “undeniable and unfortunate” socioeconomic and cultural barriers that exist in these communities which is why it is important that awards such as this exist to support more women to overcome these barriers.

Lina always knew she wanted to do something with her life that “uplifted women” and her own experience of pregnancy and motherhood at the age of 17 is when the seed of midwifery was planted. But not because of the wonderful experience she had, quite the opposite. Lina felt “categorized and judged” as a teen mum during her pregnancy and what should have been a special, wondrous time was shadowed by shame and guilt.
In her own words, Lina vowed that “I would try to the best of my capabilities to become a midwife, no matter how long it took, because I did not want another woman to feel just like I had felt. Women need support and encouragement in the scary, yet magical time that is pregnancy, not judgement……this is was something I would carry with me all the way through my goal of trying to obtain my degree, something that would drive my determination.”

However, things don’t always go to plan and Lina has had to overcome obstacles along the way, including failing a paper that set her back and altered the pathway of her degree. She describes being in a dark place and “wandering along on a lonely pathway” as her cohort graduated without her. But with the support of her AUT lecturers and due to her excellent grades, she was able to fast track on a special reoccurrence pathway and ended up only a few months behind so will complete her degree at the end of this year.  Being the recipient of The KEECT Maori/Pacifika Midwifery Award was also a driving force behind her determination to get back on track as she knew others were invested in her success.

Lina plans to work predominantly in Pacific Island communities solely due to the fact that “we as Pacific Islanders are the most vulnerable for many complications in pregnancy, labour and birth, as well as the post-partum stages. I feel that I am able to educate, connect and form a better partnership with Pacifika women as I am able to relate to their way of thinking both culturally and professionally”.

Lina is profoundly grateful for the support afforded to her from receiving the award and tells “not only did it allow me financial relief in a time I really needed it (such as petrol and parking money when on placements), but it also allowed me more time to refocus on the degree…. thank you for believing in me, supporting me and entrusting me with such an amazing honour”.

We wish her all the best in her midwifery career – she is already a fantastic role model for her family and community, and has proven that hard work, determination and perseverance will triumph over adversity.

Maja Ranzinger – Engineering Awardee

September 16, 2021

Congratulations to AUT engineering student Maja Ranzinger who is the inaugural recipient of the KEECT Watercare and Ghella Abergeldie partnership Engineering Award, established by the Kate Interceptor Project.  In July 2020, the project unveiled the training tunnel boring machine (TBM), named KATE in honour of Kate Edger.  Read more here

This engineering scholarship is worth $5000 and the Trust partnered with the University of Auckland’s Women in Engineering Network and AUT Stem Women Group to finalise the winner.  Applicants were judged based on their GPA scores, initiative, passion and extra-curricular interests.

Central Interceptor’s sustainability and community outcomes manager Bernice Chiam, who was on the selection committee, says she was very impressed by the standard of the applicants.  “It was a challenge to pick just one winner, but Maja really impressed us with her ambition and work ethic.”

Maja is a second-year student at AUT, doing a double degree – bachelor’s in mechanical engineering as well as a bachelor’s in business studies majoring in Finance.  “I’ve always wanted to do a double degree and this scholarship means I don’t have to worry about the tuition so much – I can just focus on completing my course work successfully.”

After receiving the news of her award, Maja (centre) came to Academic Dress Hire to meet with Watercare Executive Programme Director, Shayne Cunis, Sustainability and Community Outcomes Manager, Bernice Chiam, Ghella Abergeldie Project Director, Francesco Saibene, and representatives from the KEECT Nina Tomaszyk (GM), Katrina Ford (Awards Coordinator), and Margaret Worth (Selection Panelist).

Marian Hassan – Awardee Speaker 2021

September 9, 2021

Tena koutou katoa.

My name is Marian. It is a privilege and an honour to be standing before you this afternoon. Congratulations to all the awardees.   I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Trustees on behalf of all the awardees. Thank you to Stephanie Harris, Margaret Crannigan Allen, Dame Charmian O’Connor, Sonia Pechner, Jill Smith, Hilary Lewis, Professor Linda Bryder, and the General Manager of the Trust, Nina Tomaszyk .  Because of you we are here today celebrating our incredible achievements.  I would also like to thank the awards coordinator Dr Katrina Ford for her hard work, and to thank every single person who has made today possible. 

Marian Hassan – Awardee Speaker 2021 Award Ceremony

I am a former refugee; I came to New Zealand when I was 10 years old and I have been here for over 20 years.   When I came to New Zealand, I could not speak English; I could not read or write. I feel privileged to have been educated in New Zealand because had I been in my home country, Somalia, I certainly would not have had that opportunity.

My education journey would be very different if it were not for the support of my family, especially my mother, who is in the audience today. She would stay up every night for me until I came home from uni. Sometimes it was very late at night, but she would still be awake waiting for me.  She always reminded me to look after myself and to look after my mental health.  Unfortunately, my mother did not get the opportunities that I have today; nevertheless, she understood the importance of education and has ensured my siblings and I have obtained the best education possible.  

The primary purpose of the Kate Edger Charitable Trust Awards is to provide funds for the promotion, advancement and encouragement of education amongst women, whether it be in the spheres of research and professional activities or artistic and creative activities.  It is a charitable trust whose main purpose is to help women achieve their educational goals, through the provision of scholarships, financial and other assistance. The awards have made it possible for all of us to continue with our education and to keep going and to reach our goals and aspirations. For me personally, it has meant that I did not have to work while also studying full-time and raising two young children.   

We all know the value and importance of education.  Education allows us to gain knowledge, and be critical thinkers. It empowers us and gives us the skills we need to make the world a better place. Education makes us better able to deal with adversity, and the more knowledge we gain the more opportunities will open to us, giving us better possibilities in our lives. 

Thank you and I hope that you all enjoy your afternoon.