Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Maori student among Australia's top 100

Updated at 9:05 am on 17 June 2010

A Maori student has been picked as one of Australia's top 100 brightest young minds.

Areti Metuamate of Ngati Raukawa, Ngati Kauwhata and Waikato-Tainui is on a Freyberg Scholarship to the National University in Canberra, studying for a masters degree in international politics, defence and strategic studies.

The former Hato Paora head boy and executive member of the Catholic Runanga, told Waatea News his selection over thousands of Australians, shows Maori can do anything with focus and hard work.

"For so long we have been seen as second class citizens and not as achievers," he said.

"Actually that is complete rubbish and we have to change that, not only in our home country but also show we're competitive everywhere."

Areti will attend a 'brightest young minds' summit in Sydney next month to discuss current issues with leading business and community leaders including Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

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