Melanie Goodwright

Systems Innovator, Healthy Families Aotearoa, Auckland Council
Master of Public Health student
Bachelor of Health Science in Public and Environmental Health

She has loved the content her programmes have covered, says Melanie Goodwright who came to AUT to study a Bachelor of Health Science in Public and Environmental Health, and is now enrolled in a Master of Public Health.

“I never really excelled academically at high school, but AUT changed that. I found myself genuinely enjoying learning and becoming deeply engaged in the assignments, research, readings and study required throughout the programme. The lecturers were a big part of that experience. They take the time to get to know their students, recognise their strengths, and provide constructive feedback that helps them develop and succeed.”

Her studies have opened up some unexpected opportunities, she says.

“As a mature student – a single mum with young children who has been working full-time while studying – my priority was to absorb as much learning as possible. I set a personal goal to achieve A grades, as I tend to hold myself to high standards. That said, the effort I put into my studies paid off in a way I didn’t expect. After pushing through a lot of impostor syndrome, I decided to apply for a scholarship – and I was fortunate to receive a Health New Zealand – Pacific Health Scholarship. For a long time, I had held myself back because I felt I wasn’t deserving or that I might be taking an opportunity away from someone else. Receiving the scholarship helped me overcome that mindset and recognise my own worth.

“During my bachelor’s degree, I was also surprised when a lecturer invited me to assist on a research project. I had always assumed those opportunities were reserved for master’s degree or doctoral students with prior research experience. It showed me that at AUT if you show up, engage and demonstrate genuine interest, there are many opportunities to grow and develop. In my final year, the staff also worked with me to create a special research topic of my choosing so I could graduate on time as a course I needed wasn’t available that year. I was incredibly fortunate that Dr Bible Lee agreed to take me on, even though she was already at full capacity. She has been one of the most supportive mentors, offering thoughtful and insightful critical feedback that has shaped my learning.”

Coming full circle
Melanie says she always wanted a career where she could make a positive impact.

“I always had a desire to do meaningful work that would help people and the planet, but I wasn’t sure how to achieve that and didn’t feel that I had the knowledge to get a degree. After successfully getting a job as a coordinator at Middlemore Hospital in the Regional Pacific Health unit it changed my life. I had a very supportive team and manager who mentored me and helped me to map out a career and study plan. Initially, I had to start with a tertiary foundation certificate to get University Entrance. As a 32-year-old woman I thought I’d feel out of place, but it felt like the right decision. While doing my certificate I found that I was naturally good at and enjoyed biology and population health, so decided to attend AUT for the next step, to study a Bachelor of Health Science in Public and Environmental Health, as it was everything I was interested in learning more about.”

It feels like everything she learned has now come full circle.

“Just before graduating with my Bachelor of Health Science, I started applying for jobs beyond my experience and landed a fantastic job in systems change innovation within the health sector. What I love about the role is the agility to work with partners, stakeholders and communities to create actionable and practical solutions to the barriers communities face, particularly those linked to the social determinants of health. I now get to apply the knowledge I learned at AUT in a real-world context and make a tangible impact. As an added bonus, I get to do work I genuinely enjoy and am paid really well, which makes it even more rewarding.”

Advice for other students
Melanie – who is proudly Cook Islands Māori, from Aitutaki, as well as Pākehā – has some great advice for other students.

“Get involved, talk to people, stay curious and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Some of the best learning and innovation comes from trying new things, testing ideas and continuously improving along the way. Just as importantly, be your own biggest supporter. Speak to yourself kindly and, when things feel uncomfortable or challenging, remind yourself that the discomfort is temporary and part of growth. Some of the most successful people are those who learn to lean into that discomfort, but it’s a skill that takes time and practice to build.”

She wouldn’t hesitate to recommend AUT to other students.

“AUT has a really positive, strengths-based culture. What stood out to me was how inclusive it is – students from all walks of life are welcomed and supported to succeed here. The focus isn’t just on getting through a degree, but on helping you recognise your strengths and build confidence in them, which sets you up well beyond university. The lecturers and other staff genuinely want you to do well and work with you to bring out your best. It creates an environment where you feel supported, capable and motivated to grow.”