From communications, and ministry, to local government, Christian Baledrokadroka’s graduation is a mark of service, faith, and an unwavering commitment to enact social change.
Christian Baledrokadroka (Faculty of Arts and Education) celebrates graduating with a Master of Social and Community Leadership with Distinction from, University of Auckland.
Of Fijian and Samoan heritage, from Sawakasa (Mataqali Ravouvou), Tailevu and Waiqori, Oneata, Lau and the villages of Fasito’o Uta, Fagali’i, Afega and Iva, Christian has always held a vision to serve youth, Pacific and Māori communities.
But Christian also acknowledges that her path has not been linear, but rather guided by faith in God, who she says has pieced every step together.
Her father’s passing in 2017, the same year she began university at just 17, left a profound imprint.
“I held tightly to the promise of Romans 8:28 which says: ‘And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.’”
“This looks like carrying that hope for myself, fighting to believe it, and figuring out what it looked like to be obedient to my call when my world shattered.”
Christian’s academic journey began in Communications, majoring in Public Relations, where she first discovered her love for connecting people and kaupapa.
“I really loved comms for the relationships and the people element, being able to represent a kaupapa I love or believe in and strategically communicate how to influence and shift change,” she says.
That passion led to her being awarded the Geraldine Lopdell Award for Diversity in Communication in 2020, recognising her commitment to empowering Māori and Pacific storytelling. She says communications was a pathway that connected and empowered people to build meaningful relationships.
Now, as she steps into a graduate role at Auckland Council in Te Pokapū Āheinga (the Capability Hub), working in the Māori Outcomes team, Christian is focused on putting theory into action.
“I put my focus into research on diversity, Indigenous thought, and education papers because of how important I believe they are. But I also dove into research around domestic violence which broke my heart.
“These are just one of many realities that many people live through, and social and community leadership both touches these realities and needs to be addressed as part of the wider solution to bring healing to people and change in our communities.”
