Dr Stacy-Ria Harlee Te Kurapa-King (Rongowhakaata, Te Tairāwhiti, Tūhoe, Ngāpuhi) was born in Tūranga-nui-a-Kiwa (Gisborne), raised in Waikato and her upbringing was deeply rooted in te ao Māori.
Immersed in kapa haka, life on her marae, and with te reo Māori as her first language, she developed a strong foundation of discipline, manaakitanga, aroha and commitment to excellence – values that have guided her academic journey.
“I had a very whānau-oriented upbringing, always encouraged to give everything a go and to be proud to be Māori,” says Stacy-Ria. “As the eldest child and moko in my family, I felt a responsibility to set a benchmark for my siblings, showing them what’s possible.”
On 10 December, Stacy-Ria officially became a tākuta, earning a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery.
She had a natural talent for science and a desire to support others, so her mother encouraged her to consider a career in medicine.
“In high school, I did well in chemistry, biology and physics. My mum saw that I also loved helping people and suggested I become a doctor.”
“At first, that felt like a foreign whakaaro – I didn’t know a single Māori doctor, and medicine didn’t seem like a career path for Māori kids, at least not where I grew up.”
Health challenges she faced as a child also influenced her decision.
“My whānau and community supported me through those times, and that experience played a role in shaping my goals. When I considered my strengths in science and those personal experiences, I thought, sure, why not pursue this path?”
Stacy-Ria’s first did a Certificate in Health Sciences, which introduced her to university life. During this time, she became acutely aware of systemic health inequities affecting Māori and Pacific communities.
“That was when I found my ‘why.’ Learning about these injustices fuelled my passion to make a difference.”
She credits initiatives like Whakapiki Ake and the Māori and Pacific Admission Scheme (MAPAS) for providing critical support.
“I’m grateful to Whakapiki Ake and MAPAS for making these opportunities available and for educating us on the historical injustices in our health system.”
On 9 December she attended the special celebration MAPAS holds before graduation for its medical graduands.
“MAPAS has been a major source of support for every single one of us Māori and Pacific students. Their wraparound support makes all the difference for our overall journey throughout our degrees.”
In August 2024, as she neared the completion of her studies, Stacy-Ria marked the year in a profoundly personal way by receiving her moko kauae.
“Getting my kauae goes beyond graduating med school – it represents my commitment to my whakapapa and Māoritanga. It’s hard to put into words, but when your kauae calls you, you know it’s the right time.”
Her moko was done by renowned artist Tā Derek Lardelli, who has adorned three generations of her whānau, including her mother and grandmother. The occasion was made even more special as her younger sister, Peata, received her moko kauae on the same day.
“It was an unforgettable day, surrounded by waiata and the aroha of whānau.”
This January, Stacy-Ria will begin her medical career at Middlemore Hospital in South Auckland.
“It’s inspiring to work with and care for people who look like me, especially Māori and Pacific patients. I want to create culturally safe and inclusive spaces for them.”
Her first role as a junior doctor will be in psychiatry, a field she approaches with great anticipation and excitement. Looking ahead, Stacy-Ria hopes to return to Gisborne to serve her community.
“I want to bring aroha and manaakitanga into the health system for my people and tackle the health inequities we face together. There’s so much I want to do.”
Throughout her studies, kapa haka has remained a cornerstone of Stacy-Ria’s life. As a member of Te Waka Huia, a champion kapa haka team, she is preparing for Te Matatini 2026, Aotearoa’s premier Indigenous performing arts festival.
“Kapa haka has taught me resilience and balance. It’s about whānau, connection, and commitment – values I carry with me, whether I’m on the stage or in the hospital.”
By Te Rina Triponel of Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland
