Among them are School of Psychology Lecturer Dr Ahnya Martin and Senior Tutor Dr Matthew Kean, who both graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy.
Dr Ahnya Martin, Ngāti Naho, Waikato Tainui, Clan Buchanan Scotland
Dr Ahnya Martin
Dr Ahnya Martin has been with Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University since 2018. She began her journey as a kaiwhakahaere (Māori student support), before moving into roles as Pou ā Rongo for Te Rau Puawai, Graduate Assistant, Senior Tutor and Lecturer in the School of Psychology.
Encouraged by her late grandfather Dr Ian Gibb, and driven by a passion for supporting marginalised communities, Dr Martin began her academic path with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, graduating in 2016. She went on to complete a Master of Science in Health Psychology in 2020 and enrolled in her PhD that same year. Dr Martin says she is thankful for the continual support from Te Rau Puawai (scholarship programme), who have been pivotal in her academic journey.
“Massey has been an amazing university to study with, especially with the flexibility of extramural options.”
She completed her PhD while getting married and having three children.
Her doctoral research, inspired by her lived experience of precarity in Aotearoa New Zealand, explored systemic change for marginalised communities, particularly the Māori precariat. Dr Martin was invited to undertake her research as part of the Health Research Council-funded project Wellbeing and the precariat: How does it work in everyday life?, a collaboration between Massey, the University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology and Waikato University.
The Kaupapa Māori-informed study investigated the impacts of government policies such as minimum wage increases, Working for Families initiatives, and healthy homes standards on the wellbeing of low-income whānau.
“My PhD experience has and will continue to shape my research, teaching and community work. Working with skilled scholars taught me about collaboration, relational ethics and resourcing. Conducting 40 interviews and completing a thesis by publication has also strengthened my teaching, especially in Kaupapa Māori and qualitative methodologies.”
Beyond academia, her knowledge has also supported her role as Chairperson of the Women’s Centre Rodney, a charitable organisation providing support to local women.
Dr Matthew Kean
Dr Matthew Kean celebrate with his partner and family.
Dr Matthew Kean was born in the United States, spent time in the United Kingdom and moved to Aotearoa 19 years ago. After working for the Department of Corrections, he began studying with Massey and later became a Senior Tutor in Psychology.
“I turned to Massey as an institution that met my needs as an adult learner, especially after receiving thoughtful, personal guidance from a student advisor before I had even enrolled,” he says.
Dr Kean completed his Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and PhD with Massey, studying through a mix of distance, block and in-person courses. A consistent theme throughout his academic journey has been a focus on violence prevention and community-led strategies for social change.
His doctoral research was inspired by his work in the community and by his postgraduate supervisors Professor Mandy Morgan, Associate Professor Leigh Coombes and Lecturer Ann Rogerson. His project involved collaborating with a community organisation that provides emergency housing for men suspected of engaging in family violence.
“My supervision team helped me develop a sustainable, ethical relationship with the organisation, one based on trust and reciprocity. That relationship is still ongoing, even two years after finishing my PhD, and continues to be meaningful for the organisation, the men accessing support and myself,” he says.
Now teaching psychology with a focus on applied ethics and community engagement, Dr Kean hopes his work can help reframe assumptions.
“My hope is that we as students, researchers, practitioners and community organisations can create new opportunities for community-focused practices that promote human flourishing through care and reciprocity, especially for our most vulnerable.”
This year’s graduating Auckland-based staff members also include:
- Dr Natalie Mathews – Bachelor of Health Science
- Dr Alan Law – Master of Counselling
- Emily Pearce – Master of Education
- Dr Diyako Rahmani – Master of Analytics
- Dr Sarah Choi – Doctor of Philosophy
- Dr Megan Young – Doctor of Philosophy
Congratulations to all graduating staff.
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