September 19th

Kate Sheppard Memorial Trust Announces Successful Applicant on the 125th anniversary of Aotearoa/New Zealand’s suffrage

“The 125th Anniversary of Women’s Suffrage is a very important time to celebrate in New Zealand’s history. We have the unique privilege of being the first country that gave women the vote, thanks to Kate Sheppard and her friends who fought so hard for New Zealand women to legally vote” said Judith Sutherland, Chairperson of the Kate Sheppard Memorial Trust.

“That is why the Trust chose to announce the successful recipient of the 2018 Kate Sheppard Memorial Trust Award on NZ Women’s Suffrage Day, the day we commemorate women in New Zealand getting the vote. This year’s recipient is Kelly Waiana Tikao, of Waitaha, Kati Mamoe and Ngai Tahu descent. She is currently completing her PhD study at the University of Canterbury”

“Kelly’s fascination with indigenous birthing practices and the ongoing public interest in her Masters thesis and film on traditional Māori birthing practices encouraged her to extend this research with a doctorate at the University of Canterbury. Kelly is currently in her fourth year of study specifically exploring Kāi Tahu birthing traditions and practices pertaining to: conception, pregnancy and birth.”

“Another important factor and hope for Kelly is that her research will aid the potential implementation of Ngāi Tahu birthing knowledge and practices within New Zealand’s current maternity services and Southern midwifery education. Plans have already been drawn up to produce resources post her doctorate to return the research into the hands of midwives and whānau.”

“Kelly is quick to declare that she herself is not a midwife although she has the upmost respect for her colleagues in this field. Kelly is an experienced Registered Nurse currently working for the Canterbury District Health Board in Children and Youth Mental Health. She has completed the Huarahi Whakatū PDRP Programme to expertise level through Te Rau Matatini and has worked for Māori Health Providers and in a variety of clinical areas under the Auckland, Wellington, Otago and Canterbury District Health Boards over a 20-year period”

“The Trust is very pleased to be able to continue to assist talented women achieve their dreams. The research being undertaken by this year’s recipient in the area of indigenous birthing practices will be very important not only to New Zealand but to overseas as well. We are sure that Kate Sheppard would be proud to lend her name to such a worthwhile area of study.”

Ends

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