Active Southland’s new Rangatahi team recruit Mya Kairau already has an impressive list of achievements.

Mya (Ngāi Tahu me Ngāpuhi) describes herself as a “very aspirational, motivated and dedicated young wahine”, with a mission to help rebuild indigenous capability and capacity across Aotearoa and the world.

The former Verdon College head girl is a member of the Te Rourou youth panel, is the rangatahi representative on the Murihiku Regeneration project and is a tuakana for the Ngāi Tahu-Rangatahi Tumeke camps.

“I live by the quote, ‘if you can dream it, you can achieve it’ and this is where I feel as though my mindset shines through the best.”

Mya has competed successfully in regional Ngā Manu Kōrero speech competitions, going onto represent her rohe and iwi on the national stage.

Last year she attended an international Youth Congress in Canada. The only New Zealand representative at the conference, she was chosen to deliver an award-winning speech on supporting indigenous cultures and to foster relationships between native and non-native.

A guitarist and singer, Mya is studying social anthropology through Massey University. She is also a successful bodybuilder with regional and national titles to her credit, competing in Germany three months after her first local competition.

“You are more than capable of becoming the person you dream to be, nothing is impossible,” she says.

Mya joins Active Southland’s Rangatahi team as a Kaitautoko, supporting with communications and other mahi focused on the rangatahi of Murihiku.

Article added: Friday 07 March 2025