Researching Postcapitalist Possibilities

The transitioning to caring economies project recently awarded a scholarship to Kelsi Henderson to study a Masters in Arts in Geography at Massey University. She will spend the first semester doing coursework, then develop a research proposal that aligns with the programme to complete between November 2025 and October 2026. Kelly caught up with Kelsi to find out a bit more about what drives her.

Ko Takitimu te maunga te ru nei tōku ngākau, 

Ko Mokoreta te awa a māhea ahu māharara, 

Nō Aerana, Kōtorana tōku tīpuna, 

Nō Murihiku, Ōtautahi e tipu aku nei, 

Ko Henderson, O’Neill ngā ingoa whānau, 

Ko Kelsi Henderson tōku ingoa

Born and raised between Southland and Christchurch, Kelsi completed her undergrad at the University of Canterbury while working as a youth worker. She explains that this was a role she “somewhat fell into following the Canterbury earthquakes”. She studied a co-joint LLB/BA (sociology and geography). Following this, she worked as a solicitor in Te Whanganui-a-Tara before taking a role as Specialist Facilitator (Restorative Justice and Te Pae Oranga) in Waihōpai. 

Both within and outside of paid mahi, Kelsi finds herself seeking ways to develop, refine, and express her values and understanding of the world and those around her. Kelsi says that

This involves voluntary mahi, involvement with intentional community housing, and a rich family life where I am proud to have become a guardian of one of my epic nieces.

She refills through time outside, including a recent stint as a hiking guide throughout Aotearoa. Kelsi says

I’m excited to join the Transitioning to Caring Economies team and continue along this path and to contribute to such an exciting project exploring possibility and opportunity for social and economic change, prioritising the fullness of well-being. 

We look forward to seeing where Kelsi takes her scholarship over the next year!