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20-year-old Francesca says she feels grateful to receive an award that honours an extraordinary wāhine, whose kaupapa and many accomplishments left an amazing legacy to aspire to.

“I was speechless when I received the phone call, but the silence was filled with squeals of excitement from my mum in the background. It feels rewarding to know the hard work and determination I put into my mahi and the things that really challenge me are worth it in the long run.”

For as long as Francesca can remember, she has had an immense passion for art. She attended art lessons as a child in Timaru, had a solo exhibition at a local café at 12, and studied art and Design and Visual Communication (DVC) throughout high school.

She says when it came time to choose what to study at university, she couldn’t see herself doing anything else but following a pathway into the arts.

“I knew arts was the right choice, and I wanted to garner my skills and explore different mediums. However, after finishing high school feeling burnt out, I felt lost as I didn’t see myself moving so far away from home to study.”

Being based in Te Waipounamu (South Island) meant University of Canterbury and University of Otago where the favoured places of study. It wasn’t until Francesca attended Massey’s 2019 Open Day in Wellington that she realised the College of Creative Arts was what she had been searching for.

“After visiting Pukeahu (Wellington campus), I was exposed to new and exciting technology and pathways. The visit had a lasting impression, and I left feeling enthusiastic about all the incredible things that could come from studying the arts at Massey.”

Francesca says she loves being surrounded by creatives with similar passions and interests. She says that something she hadn’t expected when studying a design degree was being introduced to Kaupapa Māori concepts, and to be connected to her culture through learning.

“I grew up quite disconnected from my whakapapa and Māori heritage and had a limited understanding of Mātauranga Māori. The compulsory papers in my first year were instrumental to introducing me to the beauty and strength of Māori culture, as well as highlighting the devastating struggles endured.”

Francesca says that these learnings have been the beginning of her journey to decolonising herself.

“I have a long way to go with this process of learning and understanding, but I am privileged to be exposed to interesting, thought-provoking topics and discourse that challenges and allows better understanding for everyone. I have heard a lot of similar experiences to my own in that these discussions are eye-opening and spark a fire to continue breaking down these barriers of colonisation and find our way to our whakapapa.”

As part of the scholarship, Francesca’s tuition fees for next year are covered. She says that in her next year she wants to focus on the journey of creating and learning, and to be present with the process.

“In a world where time flies in the blink of an eye and we always focus so much on what’s next, I think it’s important to live in the moment and be present with where you are.”

Francesca is also excited to be taking part in a collaborative internship with Ngāti Hinewaka hapū and Māori arts and design practitioners, to enhance the rangatiratanga of Mana Whenua through the narratives of Mātakitaki-a-Kupe.

She says she’s incredibly grateful for all the opportunities, new experiences, and support she’s received on her study journey.

“I would like to give a massive thank you to the panel at Massey who awarded me this scholarship, and to Hinemoa Hilliard and her whānau for helping students like me and providing the opportunity to continue with my passion while helping to reduce financial burden. I would also like to thank the successful wāhine Māori, such as Hinemoa, who have come before me for paving the way and showing me what is possible.

“I am only halfway through my degree, but I couldn’t have gotten to this point without the whole-hearted and continuous support of my whānau. My parents have been by my side no matter the venture, and I cannot thank them enough for being the role models they are.”

About the award

The Hinemoa Hilliard Memorial Scholarship was established by Toi Rauwhārangi in conjunction with Hinemoa’s whānau to recognise and celebrate Hinemoa’s legacy as an inspirational teacher and writer. It celebrates the success of a student who has shown excellence in writing about Māori visual culture, exemplified manaakitanga, and has a high level of commitment to kaupapa Māori.

Hinemoa Hilliard, Ngāti Kahu and Ngāpuhi, was a highly respected teacher, writer, freelance curator, maker, curriculum developer, museum professional and academic. She was an important advocate for kaupapa Māori at ������Դ and her warmth and knowledge inspired students and staff during the 15 years she worked at Massey’s Whiti o Rehua School of Art.