Norrissalee Ngatai-Harbour

2nd-year student, Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with minors in Biodiversity Conservation and Geospatial Science
Diploma in Applied Science

AUT is very supportive throughout your studies, both academically and personally, says Norrissalee Ngatai-Harbour who is studying a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with minors in Biodiversity Conservation and Geospatial Science.

“There are many avenues and opportunities around at AUT – you just have to be brave enough to step out of your comfort zone and find them. For me, connecting with likeminded tauira has been a highlight, as well as gaining new perspectives from different people. The enthusiasm from my lecturers has been inspiring, and I’ve learnt a lot of new and fun things from both my peers and professors.”

She loves sharing her passion for science with others, particularly other Māori and Pacific students.

“I’m proud to be part of the MAISci Rōpū and to be a MAISci kaitiaki, especially being able to share my journey and studies through outreach programmes like Pūhoro STEMM Academy, which AUT has a partnership with. I’ve been a part of Pūhoro STEMM Academy since high school. Being able to facilitate sessions on behalf of AUT is rewarding for me, as these sessions in high school made me want to pursue tertiary education, so I hope I can do the same for future tauira.”

Finding her path
Norrissalee’s AUT journey started when she enrolled in a Diploma in Applied Science.

“I initially studied the Diploma in Applied Science to help me gain University Entrance (UE). I heard great feedback about AUT’s more practical approach to learning, which appealed to me. In the summer after I finished my diploma, I got an internship with AUT to work on the biodiversity of arthropods, which I really enjoyed. I then started a Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching) but found myself missing science. So, I changed to a Bachelor of Science in the next semester.”

It's decision she certainly hasn’t regretted.

“I enjoy the flexibility of the assignments, especially being able to incorporate mātauranga Māori into my studies. As part of my degree I’m minoring in biodiversity conservation and geospatial science as I really love those topics. I also appreciate the support of the science administration team who helped me explore cross-crediting options from the diploma to the Bachelor of Science, which had just been restructured. They helped me transition to the new curriculum, which has been easier to navigate and more aligned with my passions.”

Advice for other students
Now in the second year of her studies, Norrissalee has some great advice for other students.

“Don’t hesitate to make connections with your lecturers and peers – many ideas and opportunities can come from those conversations. Value other people's outlook on things and try to understand new concepts.”

Her other piece of advice is simple: ask questions.

“Always ask questions, even if you think you know the answer. There’s always someone willing to help when you're struggling, so make sure you reach out before you drown.”