“We are still in the process of working out what next year will look like with the Otago Medical School and New Zealand Rugby. However, I am really excited to continue doing both,” Maia told the Herald.
Black Fern Maia Joseph is heading back to university to complete her medical degree. Photo / Supplied
“It has been a big sacrifice taking time away from medical school for the past two years, so I am extremely excited to head back. It will definitely be a busy year, but when you love what you are doing and you wouldn’t want to be doing anything else, it feels easy.”
Maia was born in Wellington but moved to Dunedin while still in primary school. Dunedin is still home for her.
Maia’s love of rugby comes from her dad; who played test rugby for both the All Blacks and Japan. Her desire to become a doctor came after she completed high school.
Black Fern Maia Joseph at the Women’s Rugby World Cup. Photo / Supplied
“It was a mixture between having a real interest in the topic, that likely comes from being an athlete, as well as wanting to help create a healthcare system that really serves my Māori whānau,” Maia said.
“Over the past five years, these are still the main reasons why I am so excited to become a doctor.
“I am unsure what area of medicine I will want to pursue. There are many areas that interest me. However, it won’t be until I finish placements as well as my rugby career that I can focus on specialising.”
She was still focused on being the best rugby player she could be, including continuing to play for Black Ferns and Matatū.
The Joseph sisters preparing for a night out together. Photo / Supplied
Maia comes from a close-knit whānau and has an older sister Lydia, younger brother Ben and younger sister Lula.
Jamie is currently head coach of the Highlanders and the All Blacks XV.
“I got my love of rugby from dad and brains probably from mum,“ Maia laughed.
“Mum is an artist and some of her paintings are hanging in South Island galleries which is pretty amazing. She is also the smartest person I know. So yes, I do get my brains from her.”
Dad Jamie Joseph with daughter Maia and mum Mandy. Photo / Supplied
She said her parents both loved what they do.
“And that’s the reason why I am striving for two different things – play rugby and do medicine as well.”
She said her own superpower was “my drive”.
“I’m hard working and want to achieve things at a high level,” Maia said.
“I am a proud New Zealander and proud Māori.”
She has three more years of medical school study to go in her quest to be a doctor.
Maia Joseph is going places fast on and off the pitch. Photo / Photosport
That could take longer depending on rugby commitments.
In the two years since she got an NZ Rugby contract she said she had “grown immensely” as a person after being around the Black Ferns environment.
“And I am really determined to keep giving back to the team on and off the field.,” Maia said.
“I’m very lucky to have very supportive parents they are huge reasons why I am able to do what I do. They’re both big inspirations for me and have helped me achieve both of my dreams. They are very proud and happy that I have found careers that I really enjoy.”
Joseph Los’e joined NZME in 2022 as the Kaupapa Māori Editor. Los’e was chief reporter, news director at the Sunday News covering crime, justice and sport. He was also editor of the NZ Truth and before NZME worked for urban Māori organisation Whānau Waipareira.