Petronilla Louisa Tamari
2nd-year student, Bachelor of Business in Economics and Finance
Diploma in Business
Deciding to study economics and finance was easy, says Petronilla Louisa Tamari who came to AUT as an international student from Papua New Guinea, supported by a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship.
"I have two very supportive parents who have always encouraged me to follow my dreams and passions. It was during the 2020 Christmas season that I found my passion for economics and finance, after an internship in the accounts department for a company back home. As an individual who is very passionate about the potential of my country Papua New Guinea, and the Asia-Pacific region at large, it made sense to take double majors in economics and finance to be better equipped to address the socio-economic problems within my region."
While she still has another year of her studies ahead, she already has a good idea how she sees her future.
“After graduating, I’d love to apply the knowledge and skills from economics and finance in either a donor partner organisation or an international organisation like the UN or for the government of Papua New Guinea to gain experience in policy making and further research the needs of the Asia-Pacific region. I hope that the skills I’m gaining through my studies will help me later pursue a master's degree in data analytics to equip myself with the quantitative skills and methodological tools crucial to analyse complex economic phenomena using data-driven approaches. The ultimate goal is to become a world-class economist and financial specialist.”
Supported to thrive
Petronilla says she is honoured and privileged to be a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship recipient and is thoroughly enjoying her studies at AUT.
“As a Pacific student, I’ve found that having lecturers with culturally diverse backgrounds creates an environment where I feel heard and seen. The integration of Māori concepts and approaches to teaching and learning has also helped to create a sense of belonging. Moreover, the Economics and Finance Department is home to world-class academics and has close links to international universities and research institutes, including the New Zealand Policy Research Institute and the Auckland Centre for Financial Research.”
She is grateful for how well she has been supported in her studies.
“As a student on the Manaaki New Zealand scholarship, my biggest and constant support system is the AUT Scholarships Office. Other than academic guidance, the office also provides support for other areas, including webinars for my field of study and contacts for support services at AUT. Under Manaaki, I’m privileged to have reserved spaces with recruitment organisations like Tupu Toa and the Pacific Cooperation Foundation. They also bring all scholars together, so that we have a support system away from home. I’d like to give a special mention to George Kimani. He is the best scholarship officer.
“I must give credit to Mary Hoover and Lloyd Gutteridge from the Diploma in Business, which, quite frankly, is the best business diploma transition pathway programme. They helped with the transition into my degree, and both were very engaging. I could never miss a class.”
Enjoying student life
In addition to her studies, Petronilla loves making the most of student life and living in Auckland.
“Prior to starting university, I thought I wouldn’t have a social life or time for other extracurricular activities. Fortunately, AUT’s supportive environment has enabled me to explore other spaces to apply my knowledge and skills, including in student clubs like the AUT Niu Collective, in which I’m the academic officer. The highlight of joining Pacific clubs is that I get to create spaces where Māori and Pacific students are celebrated for all that they are.
“I’m also grateful to have been offered a job as a PASS student mentor for other business students, and I’m privileged to be part of the AUT Edge Award. Having exposure to such opportunities has not only built my soft skills but also helped me build friendships. As a selectively social individual, these opportunities have pushed me out of my comfort zone and encouraged me to work with others. Outside of my university life, I'm also lucky to have taken part in two trips around New Zealand with my fellow Manaaki scholars. I recently signed up for a trip to Northland, which I’m excited for.”
She wouldn’t hesitate to recommend AUT to other students.
“I highly recommend AUT to prospective students. Aside from its world-class facilities and top rankings, AUT has a tight-knit community that welcomes students of all ethnic and educational backgrounds. As a multicultural university, AUT understands the multitudes of cultures and beliefs and seeks to create a university experience that truly enables students to thrive while embracing their differences in cultures, beliefs and interests. And the support services are exceptional. There is support for mental health, financial aid, mentoring, and so much more.”
