Posthumous degree awarded to pioneering Māori scholar almost 100 years after she began her studies, University of Oxford, 28 Septrmber 2025
On Saturday 27 September 2025, the descendants of Mākereti Papakura, the pioneering Māori scholar believed to be the first indigenous woman to study at Oxford, were presented with her degree certificate, an MPhil Anthropology, almost a century after her matriculation.
More than 100 people travelled from Aotearoa New Zealand to mark the occasion, attending events that reflected both Oxford and Māori traditions.
The University graduation ceremony took place at the Sheldonian Theatre and was presided over by Professor Irene Tracey, Vice Chancellor of the University of Oxford, who presented Mākereti’s degree certificate to her relative June Northcroft Grant.
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