Maria Cristina (Maki) Rodriguez Rojas
Social Worker, LINC Support Services, Tauranga
Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science in Mental Health and Addictions
Her studies gave a solid foundation for her work in mental health, says Maria Cristina (Maki) Rodriguez Rojas, who completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science in Mental Health and Addictions at AUT through the Te Pou-funded New Entry to Specialist Practice (NESP) programme.
“I started working in a mental health organisation and was completely new to the field. My supervisor recommended the NESP programme because it provides a strong foundation for developing professional knowledge and skills in a supportive learning environment. As a registered social worker, I wanted a programme that would help me grow both personally and professionally. I was encouraged by the positive feedback from colleagues who had completed the programme and spoke highly of AUT's supportive, inclusive and welcoming learning environment. This was especially important to me as a migrant from Colombia and a member of the rainbow community.
“The programme gave me the opportunity to learn from experienced lecturers and work alongside other health professionals who shared a passion for supporting people. NESP helped me build my confidence, develop specialist knowledge and apply what I learned directly to my practice. I also valued the supportive learning environment and the professional connections I made.”
Combining study with her full-time work wasn’t always easy, she admits, but it was a journey well worth the effort.
“One of my biggest achievements was completing postgraduate study while working full-time. I started the programme with very little experience in mental health and finished it with much greater confidence, stronger clinical skills and a great appreciation for coffee. I’m also very grateful to Te Pou and my organisation for their financial support, which made it possible for me to complete the programme.”
The support to thrive
Maki – who graduated from AUT in mid-2026 – says she felt very well supported by AUT staff throughout her studies.
“I can confidently say that the entire team of lecturers was exceptional. However, Dr Jo Appleby stood out to me because, from the very beginning, she supported me even through the registration process. Her dedication and genuine willingness to share both her professional expertise and personal experiences were truly remarkable. She always made time for my questions, and her responses were consistently encouraging, thoughtful and supportive.”
Her advice for other students is simple: make the most of every opportunity the programme offers.
“Stay engaged, and don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Age, background or where you live should never hold you back. I started the programme at 54, with English as my second language and while living in another city. Believe in yourself and embrace the journey. The growth, both personal and professional, is truly worth it.”
Walking alongside people
Based in Tauranga, Maki loves the positive impact she can make through her role as a social worker for LINC Support Services.
“I enjoy working as a social worker in mental health because it gives me the opportunity to walk alongside people during some of the most challenging times in their lives. I value supporting people to achieve their goals, strengthen their wellbeing and move forward in their recovery journey. Seeing someone gain confidence, overcome obstacles or take even a small positive step is incredibly rewarding and reminds me why I chose this profession.”
She says she was surprised by the level of confidence and resilience her studies helped her develop, both professionally and personally.
“When I started the programme, I was new to mental health, studying in my second language, and balancing work and study. Through the support of the programme, I learned not only clinical skills and knowledge but also how to trust my abilities, adapt to challenges and contribute confidently as a social worker in the mental health field.”
