From experience to excellence: A student’s journey to success

For Hirata, the EMBA wasn’t just about gaining a qualification, it was about honouring the journey.

“I’d been carrying an incomplete degree from my 20s. The timing felt right to finish what I started, but to do it in a way that recognised the years of experience I’d gained along the way,” she explains.

Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s EMBA programme provided the perfect fit. Designed to challenge and inspire, it allowed Hirata to blend academic rigour with real-life application.

“It stretched me, deepened my thinking and ultimately made me a better leader, colleague and wahine Māori. It challenged me to be better, in all the right ways.”

Her goals remain focused on senior leadership roles in business, governance or the not-for-profit sector.

“I’m ready to lead with clarity, courage and care, grounded in Te Ao Māori and contemporary world-class strategy.”

Hirata’s vision extends beyond personal success. For her, paying it forward starts at home with those closest to her.

“One of the most meaningful parts of this journey has been the ongoing kōrero with my daughter, who’s currently studying at Otago University. At first, she had no plans to continue her studies beyond her current degree. But through our conversations, she’s now seriously thinking about doing her master’s in nutrition and dietetics at Massey, with an ongoing passion for making a difference for Māori. That shift in her thinking means a lot to me.”

Despite living in Wellington, Hirata deliberately chose Massey over other institutions.

“While another university was just up the road, I was drawn to Massey’s reputation for nurturing Māori excellence. Rangatira like Sir Mason Durie, Dame Farah Palmer, Dame Cindy Kiro, and Whaea Mavis Mullins have all contributed to that legacy. That spoke volumes to me.”

Flexibility was another deciding factor. Balancing frequent travel, work responsibilities and whānau life required a programme that worked with her reality.

For Hirata, the support from Te Rau Angitū, Massey’s Māori master's support

programme was transformational.

“Their awhi and tautoko went far beyond financial support. They created an academic space where I could be unapologetically Māori, challenge the status quo, and thrive.”

While Hirata was involved in a wide range of Te Rau Angitū initiatives, including noho marae, writing retreats, symposia and guest speaker sessions, she says the deeper impact of the programme is what has stayed with her most.

“All those experiences were valuable, but what truly mattered was how the programme made me feel: seen and heard, without judgment, regardless of where I was on my Te Ao Māori journey. Through their awhi and manaaki, I felt empowered to submit work grounded in Te Ao Māori with greater confidence on topics that held deep personal significance. That process not only affirmed my identity but stretched my thinking in ways that continue to shape me. I remain immensely proud of the work I produced.”

Highlights of Hirata’s EMBA journey included a noho marae at Te Rau Karamū Marae, where tauira learned from Māori academics about research, study strategies and mental health through a rugby lens, Te Wheke ā Toi writing retreat, Manaaki and academic support, a symposium featuring stories from Māori PhD candidates that left her humbled and inspired, Zoom sessions with guest speakers who kept her motivated, and support on her final EMBA paper that helped her achieve an A grade.

Her journey culminated at Massey’s Whakapōtaetanga (Māori Graduation), a celebration filled with karakia, waiata, haka and Pacific acknowledgements.

“It was deeply personal, spiritual and affirming - the perfect way to finish my EMBA.”

Hirata’s advice to future students is clear.

“Don’t wait for the perfect time, it doesn’t exist. If you’re thinking about studying at Massey, especially as a Māori or Pacific professional, know that there’s a whānau there to support you. Use the services, lean on the people and bring your whole self to the table. That’s where the real growth happens.”