Claudia Vaotuua | University Society

Bachelor of Science (Honours) Psychology

As a Samoan woman raised in Ōtara Tāmaki Makaurau, I aspire to give back to the people that I serve. My passion lies with mental health for Pacific and low socio-economic communities that are navigating the lasting effects of colonisation, poverty, intergenerational trauma, and systemic neglect. I care deeply about breaking down the stigma or inaccessibility to current existing services that provide support for understanding, conversation and healing to take place. This calls for leadership in not just creating more initiatives in response to challenges, but to return the wisdom within. It means equipping our communities with the tools, knowledge, and research to be leaders in their own healing. Therefore, I hope to contribute to the development of this growing area of research in a way that honours Indigenous knowledge and also serves to empower our communities to thrive within both clinical and everyday settings.  

Sponsor: University Society

Mentor: Dr. Sarah Kapeli

A senior health leader with experience across clinical practice, education, and system leadership. Dr Kapeli brings a strong commitment to equity, wellbeing, and values‑based leadership within health and community settings. She supports Kupe Scholars through reflective mentoring grounded in lived experience and service.