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From the heart of Palmerston North to the design studios of Toi Rauwhārangi College of Creative Arts (CoCA), 18-year-old Macy Cribb, Ngāti Kauwhata, Ngāti Tamakōpiri, Ngāti Hauiti hoki, is forging a path that blends creativity, culture and kaupapa Māori.

Macy, who is currently studying a Bachelor of Design with Honours, majoring in Visual Communication Design and Mātauranga Toi Māori at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa ������Դ in Wellington, has always known she was meant to be a graphic designer. What began as a passion has grown into a powerful form of expression deeply rooted in her identity, whakapapa and the values handed down by her tūpuna.

Raised within a kura kaupapa Māori environment, Macy’s work is driven by a desire to create with purpose and honour her heritage. The opportunity to engage with Mātauranga Māori through her studies has been particularly impactful.

“It’s a privilege to build a creative career rooted in my culture, and to use my skills to uplift my mahi. Knowing who I am and where I come from gives me strength and purpose.”

She says when she learned she would be receiving the Hinemoa Hilliard Memorial Scholarship, she was filled with honour, excitement and a deep sense of relief.

“It was incredibly rewarding to see my dedication and hard work recognised in such a meaningful way.”

The Hinemoa Hilliard Scholarship was established by CoCA, in conjunction with Hinemoa’s whānau, to remember, recognise and celebrate her influence as an inspirational teacher and writer.

It’s presented to a second-year Māori undergraduate student who has shown they can produce strong writing about Māori art and design.

Associate Professor Kura Puke says the acknowledgement of the new year Puanga-Matariki is an auspicious time to be acknowledging Macy as it’s a time of preparation and moving forward.

“Hinemoa Hilliard, who was a highly respected academic, curator and cultural knowledge holder, would not have easily accepted accolades - she would have agreed that she is a continual learner, inter-generational knowledge holder and in a role to tautoko critical thinking, creativity and innovation in inclusive spaces. Macy Cribb’s application showed a consummate work ethic. Her technical, conceptual, aesthetic and cultural aptitude has resulted in the highest levels of academic excellence.

“Of equal importance is the content of Macy’s mahi, in that she communicates her clarity and awareness of whakapapa, of connection to land, people and of mātauranga Māori that is entwined in her own journey and practice at Toi Rauwharangi. Macy is following in the legacy of inspirational thinkers and writers, creative practitioners and cultural prosperity.”

Looking ahead, Macy says she is focused on designing for kaupapa that have the potential to uplift and empower.

“My plans, hopes and dreams are to keep following my gut instinct and to create for kaupapa that matter to me. I hope that, in time, this work will make a meaningful contribution to Te Ao Māori.

“He mihi tēnei ki te whānau o Hinemoa Hilliard e tautoko tonu ana i tēnei kaupapa, me te whakanui hoki i ngā mahi rangatira o Hinemoa Hilliard [A thanks to the family of Hinemoa Hillard].”