Balancing whānau, work and study

Returning to university after a 20-year break, Daena was motivated not only by her own aspirations, but by the future she wants for her children and future generations. Her decision to complete a Master of Sustainable Development Goals was driven by her desire to do work that will make a meaningful and lasting change to the world her mokopuna will inherit.

Daena returned to postgraduate study after time spent volunteering in the sustainability space, where she found herself drawn to values-led mahi focused on collective wellbeing. Her volunteer work includes supporting community-led efforts to advance the Sustainable Development Goals in Aotearoa, co-founding a kaupapa Māori charitable trust supporting whānau raising children with autism, as well as serving within her local church community.

With six tamariki at home and the cost of living in Tāmaki Makaurau to consider, flexibility was essential for Daena to be able to study. Massey’s distance study allowed her to fit learning around the rhythms of daily life: early starts, school pickups, evening routines and late-night study sessions.

Daena says the flexibility of the programme made all the difference.

“The recorded lectures and material meant I could study when it suited my schedule.”

Balancing those competing priorities was not without its challenges. Time management proved one of the biggest hurdles, often requiring her to sacrifice time with her children to meet academic deadlines.

Returning to study after a huge break also came with moments of doubt.

“I was out of practice, I often doubted myself, I felt like an imposter and I wanted to quit multiple times. What kept me going was a clear sense of purpose,” Daena explains.

“I wanted to lead by example for my children. I wanted them to see that through hard work, effort and perseverance, especially when things are difficult, you can accomplish anything.”

Support from Massey staff and peers played a key role in helping her complete her degree. She credits her lecturers for their understanding and encouragement, as well as Māori and Pasifika learning support services that helped build her confidence in academic writing.

“Block courses were a big highlight for me. It gave me the chance to connect in-person with lecturers and classmates. Both Dr Sam Gardyne and Professor Regina Scheyvens had a significant impact on my journey through their teaching and ongoing support.”

Instead of a traditional research thesis, Daena completed a 320-hour practicum, working alongside Professor Kelly Dombroski to design and deliver two public symposia focused on care economies and circular economies.

Held at Te Rau Karamu Marae on Massey’s Wellington campus on 17 and 18 October 2025, the events brought together more than 100 participants from across academia, community, tangata whenua and the public and private sectors.

Daena says the experience was one of the most rewarding parts of her degree.

“The experience fostered meaningful collaboration and shared learning, united by a commitment to reimagining our economy with care and aroha, that enhances the mana and mauri of all.”

She hopes the impact of that work will extend far beyond the events themselves.

“Change happens one person at a time through mindset and action. I am forever changed by my practicum.”

Now graduating with distinction, Daena is focused on continuing work that reflects her values and contributes to thriving communities and environments.