Senior Lecturer, Te Kupenga Hauora Māori /Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences The University of Auckland

“As a tertiary educator I believe in aiming for excellence in order to promote the rights of all my learners.”

Elana is a young Māori woman who, while committed to teaching excellence that is student-centered, inclusive, effective and engaging, is deeply humble. She believes that education is a tool for social justice and continually plans for success. This is evidenced by the outstanding increase in achievement by Māori and Pacific students under her guidance. Her students attest to this. “Elana was great – passionate and interested in her topic and communicated well without including any guilt trips. Thanks.”

One of Elena’s colleagues comments, “Her quality of teaching and learning has led to changing perceptions of Māori health with students increasingly valuing it as an integral part of overall professional competency. This outstanding achievement is due in no small part to Elena’s leadership, innovation and excellence.”