Rising Rakatahi: Mya Kairau on taking the world stage

Nā Sascha Wall

When rakatahi tell you their goal in life is to be prime minister of Aotearoa one day, you might think it slightly ambitious. But when Te Karaka writer Sascha Wall heard these words delivered with confidence and conviction from 19-year-old Murihiku wahine Mya Kairau, she believed her.

Mya (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāpuhi) is on a mission to reinforce indigenous capability for Māori across Aotearoa, and to be an example for other indigenous groups around the world. Her extensive achievements in multiple arenas, several on international platforms, mark her as a budding global leader, poised to make a significant impact.

“I have established a resilient and motivated mindset … this is a message I would love to imprint into the lives of other youth. ‘You are more than capable of becoming the person you dream to be, nothing is impossible,’” says Mya.

Ngā Manu Kōrero speech competitions are one of the most significant events on the Māori education calendar for nurturing oratory skills and providing a platform for young voices to bring important issues to their peers, whānau and judges.
Mya's eloquence as a public speaker shone through her participation in 2019, 2020 and 2022. She was awarded first place in the Junior English section at the Manu Kōrero regional competition in 2020, and in 2021 came first equal in the Senior English section.

These accomplishments, along with her tenure as Head Girl at Verdon College and her outstanding academic achievements, highlight her exceptional leadership and communication skills.

Mya recently travelled to Vancouver as the only New Zealand representative among 100 delegates in the 2024 International Youth Congress. The three-day gathering aims to bridge the gap between youth and the United Nations through empowering a diverse group of young people to create connections, develop skills and engage with policy. This year, the key focus of the Youth Congress Seminar was the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations (1948). Mya presented her “strategy on rebuilding indigenous capability and capacity,” addressing what it is to be Māori, and the enduring impact of colonisation in Aotearoa.

This opportunity not only allowed her to address global audiences but also connect with indigenous youth from other nations, fostering international dialogue and solidarity. Mya was one of the top 15 delegates fully funded to attend the congress. During the conference, Mya received one of three awards to attend and present at another international conference and has her eye on New York for next year’s event.

As groundwork towards a future in politics, Mya has spent much of her youth advocating for Māori through her involvement in important talks around community issues. As a representative on the Vodafone Te Rourou youth panel, rakatahi leader on the Murihiku Regeneration project and facilitator of the Ngāi Tahu Rangatahi Tūmeke camps, Mya is a strong and unwavering voice dedicated to empowering young Māori.

Mya Kairau receiving her award ‘Dedicated to Excellence in Diplomacy and the Protection of Peace,’ presented by the Voice for Rights International Association at the International Youth Congress Seminar in Canada.

“I am a very determined 19-year-old who knows what opportunities the world can offer. I live by the quote ‘if you can dream it, you can achieve it’ and this is where I feel as though my mindset shines through the best.” Mya kairau (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāpuhi).

“A huge passion of mine is the Ngāi Tahu Rangatahi Tumeke camps. I have attended these Māori camps for nine years now, and for the past six years have held the position of a tuākana to our tēina. I take pride in holding this position to be a role model to others.”

Supported by Te Pūtahitanga, Mya is also spearheading the development of a global indigenous initiative focused on youth empowerment and success.She is studying towards a Bachelor of Arts in Social Anthropology and Indigenous Psychology at Massey University after completing a very successful first year at the University of Otago, where she studied Political Science and International Relations. The change in her study environment and course was prompted by a desire to have flexibility to “pursue other avenues that will support my aspirations in making a change in the world.”

When asked what drives her, she responds thoughtfully, “I’ve always been involved with
community rōpū. I am heavily involved in discussions surrounding matters in our community and am constantly evolving potential solutions to resolve these matters.”

During her first year of study in Dunedin, Mya embarked on bodybuilding training, a rigorous discipline that demands significant time and dedication. Following her success as the 2023 Novice Shape NZ Champion, Mya went on to represent Aotearoa in Germany at the prestigious International Bodybuilding Mr. and Mrs. Universe competition late last year.

Mya with her first-place trophy in the ‘Novice Shape’ category at the 2023 New Zealand Bodybuilding Championships in New Plymouth.

Suffice to say Mya embodies resilience, leadership, and a profound commitment to Māori and community, boldly representing her aspirations on various world stages. Her journey towards achieving her aspiration to be Prime Minister reflects her unwavering dedication and boundless potential. She is a huge inspiration for rangatahi in Murihiku and beyond to pursue their dreams with determination and perseverance.

“I am a very determined 19-year-old who knows what opportunities the world can offer.
I live by the quote ‘if you can dream it, you can achieve it’ and this is where I feel as though my mindset shines through the best.”