Autoethnographic insights from early career researchers

Māori early career researchers (ECRs) face unique challenges andopportunities within Aotearoa New Zealand’s academic landscape.Although Māori make up 17.8% of the national population, theyrepresent less than 5% of academic staff across universities, reflect-ing persistent underrepresentation. This study draws on the narra-tives of three Māori ECRs involved in the new Whanake Akeprogramme at Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki (Lincoln University).Guided by pūrākau and autoethnography methodologies, thestudy’s findings highlight the compounded effects of invisible cul-tural labour, limited mentorship structures, and uneven recognitionof equity initiatives on career progression and wellbeing. At thesame time, the findings underscore the value of culturally groundedmentorship, equitable workload recognition, and sustained recruit-ment and retention initiatives. The paper concludes with practicalrecommendations to support Māori ECRs to thrive within academiaand suggests several directions for future research