Naketa Phillips (Whakatōhea, Rongowhakaata) | Ralph and Eve Seelye Trust Kupe Leadership Scholar

Master of Audiology

Kia ora, i tipu ake ahau i Whakatāne, engari e noho ana ahau i Tāmaki Makaurau. Ko Rongowhakaaata me Whakatōhea aku iwi, ko Naketa Phillips tōku ingoa. I was born deaf and received a Cochlear Implant at a young age, and I am proud to be part of both the deaf and hearing worlds. I’m passionate about preserving New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) and advocating for the rights of deaf communities. I believe technological advancements like Cochlear Implants should support, not replace, deaf culture and identity. My focus is on promoting access to NZSL education, raising awareness about bilingualism, and valuing both NZSL and spoken languages. I want to help create a future where deaf culture thrives in a society that embraces diversity and inclusion. 

Sponsor: Ralph and Eve Seelye Trust

Mentor: Associate Professor Clare McCann

Clare McCann is the Head of Speech Science in the School of Psychology at the University of Auckland, a position she has held since 2018. Her responsibilities include overseeing the MSLTPrac, an externally-accredited two-year taught Masters degree leading to a qualification as a speech-language therapist. She teaches courses in each semester of the degree, focusing on acquired communication difficulties. Currently, she is co-leading a Health Research Council Health Delivery grant (2023-2025) aimed at improving communication accessibility in stroke services in Aotearoa. This project is based on a commitment to engagement that recognizes and supports the identity and mana of each individual through relational practice.