Zoe Oosten
Bachelor of Business
Nicola Stanton
Ngaa Rauru
"Just run with it. Your path doesn't have to be perfectly planned or completely linear. There can be a lot of pressure to have everything figured out before you start, but some of the best opportunities come from experiences you never expected!"
People and Wellness Coordinator at Taranaki Regional Council
Hamilton
Te Wānanga Pūtaiao Te Manu Taki Award / Waikato Graduate Women Educational Trust Te Raranga Mātauranga Award
Nicola Stanton is driven by a passion for hauora as a foundation for individuals, whānau, and communities to thrive. Alongside her 4 sisters, she is part of the first generation in her family to attend university; Nicola followed her older sisters to the University of Waikato.
“Whānau is central to who I am, so being able to remain close to whānau and home was important. Beyond this, Waikato’s campus has much to offer. One of my favourite places is The Pā, a beautiful space that reflects our culture and identity, while providing a welcoming environment to connect and learn.”
With an interest in the health sector, Nicola undertook the Bachelor of Health (opens in a new tab). While initially drawn to the biomedical science major for its strong scientific foundation, she quickly came to appreciate the degree's balance of science, community health, and mātauranga Māori, and the freedom to complete elective papers. Nicola completed a minor in Human Resource Management.
The flexibility within the programme allowed me to explore my interests; I was increasingly drawn toward papers focused on equity, community and Māori health, rather than purely the biomedical pathway.
Throughout her studies, Nicola immersed herself in the University community. She was a member of Te Whaiora, a Māori and Pacific researchers' group.
Over the course of her degree, she gained valuable exposure to kaupapa Māori methodologies through 2 Pūtahi Manawa internships (opens in a new tab), and she received the Te Wānanga Pūtaiao Te Manu Taki Award at the Ngā Tohu Toi Hau Awards (opens in a new tab). She was a recipient of the Te Paewai o Te Rangi scholarship, (opens in a new tab) the Braemar Health Scholarship (opens in a new tab) and the Freemasons University Scholarship (opens in a new tab). In 2025, Nicola was awarded the Waikato Graduate Women Educational Trust Te Raranga Mātauranga Award (opens in a new tab).
“Te Whaiora provided an incredible support system. The connections and experiences I gained at university opened doors that have contributed to where I am today.”
After graduating, Nicola returned home to take up the role of People and Wellness Coordinator at the Taranaki Regional Council.
“The people-centred approaches I learned throughout my university experience continue to influence the way I approach my everyday mahi.”
"The greatest highlights of my work are always the people. The smiles, the thank yous, and seeing people take positive steps forward, for their wellbeing and hauora. Knowing my work has a meaningful impact on someone’s path is what drives me."
Nicola’s journey at the University of Waikato continues as she steps into a Master of Health Science on the Whiria Te Aka Matua research project with Te Whatu Ora Waikato, the University of Auckland and the University of Otago. This kaupapa aims to enhance wellbeing, timeliness, and quality of care for wāhine Māori with a potential diagnosis of Breast Cancer.
Reflecting on her journey so far, Nicola encourages prospective students to embrace new experiences.
“Just run with it. Your path doesn't have to be perfectly planned or completely linear. There can be a lot of pressure to have everything figured out before you start, but some of the best opportunities come from experiences you never expected!”
