Rate My Professor Mariana Te Pou

Mariana Te Pou (Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngātiwai, Whakatōhea, Tainui) serves as the Kaituitui Wānanga for the Division of Sciences at the University of Otago, where she is based in the Sciences Divisional Office on the 3rd Floor of the Science Library, 730 Cumberland Street, Dunedin. Her early education took place in Flaxmere, a region associated with Ngāti Kahungunu, where she attended primary and high school, followed by Te Awamutu Intermediate School. These formative years significantly influenced her decision to pursue higher education at the University of Otago, from which she graduated with a Bachelor of Science majoring in Anatomy, a Diploma for Graduates in Māori Studies, Postgraduate Certificates in both Public Health and Science Communication, and a Master’s degree in Entrepreneurship.

As a dedicated advocate for Māori success in the sciences, Mariana has built an extensive career at the University of Otago. She previously served as Kaiārahi Sciences, Assistant Research Fellow in the Department of Anatomy alongside Professor Louise Parr-Brownlie, Tumuaki (President) of Te Roopū Māori, and an executive member of the Otago University Students' Association (OUSA). Mariana co-established Te Rōpū Pūtaiao, the association for Māori science students. In her present capacity, she collaborates with Associate Dean Māori Dr Tracy Perry, Kaiārahi Pūtaiao Kaiah Bloor, the Kaiāwhina support network, Māori students (tauira), and academic staff to organize and deliver marae-based science outreach programmes to Māori communities throughout New Zealand. Her work emphasizes lifelong learning, skill development, and cultivating rangatahi Māori confidence in scientific fields, their cultural identities (taha Māori), and educational opportunities. Mariana leads initiatives such as the Science Wānanga, which reached its 50th iteration in 2024, tailoring activities to align with the aspirations and needs of local iwi and hapū. Her commitment to manaakitanga and support for staff and students earned her the Outstanding Professional Staff Manaakitanga Award at the Division of Sciences' biennial awards ceremony in 2024.