What inspired you to pursue this path?
I had been a builder by trade for 17 years when I decided I wanted to change my direction in life and reconnect with my language and marae and hapū in Banks Peninsula. Through this, I was approached to do the degree.
When I was in school, this type of teaching approach wasn’t really a thing, and university wasn’t in my plan. I want to be the change in the world of teaching – to be a different, better teacher than some of the ones I had.
As an adult student, what is your community like on campus?
I get involved by helping UC Māori out with their drives, like the Matariki celebration lunch and others. It’s good to connect with younger Māori of UC. I’m older enough and a little bit wiser, more experienced in life, so I can offer advice.
Hanging out with them is cool because they see university in a different way, and it’s awesome to see all of these future young leaders taking the opportunities to lead in Te Akatoki and all of our Māori spaces, whether it is at UC, out in the community or back at their hapū, iwi and marae.
Speaking of UC Māori, how have you found the Māori community at UC?
It’s a very tight-knit, inclusive community. They have great kaitoko that support each faculty and do a good job at engaging young Māori. They’re doing awesome mahi. Everyone looks out for each other, it’s like a big family. It makes everything a bit easier. It’s a beautiful support system.
Have you seen UC’s values of manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, and tiakitanga in action?
I see examples every day. The kaitoko always show manaakitanga in the way they want the best for us. Tiakitanga is present just walking around campus – you always see people willing to make someone’s day a bit better by helping with questions or directions. And whanaungatanga is weaved into my study, where we have all our lectures in one day so that people who don’t have the luxury of taking a whole year off from work can still study and not miss out on the opportunity.
Any advice for other Māori students considering tertiary education?
The first step is always the hardest. You’re always going to find barriers, whether they’re people or systems, but if it was easy, everyone would be doing it. You’re not always going to get it all right, so let yourself make mistakes.
Be proud of the journey and of the steps you take along the way. Celebrate success and celebrate your growth – big or small, growth is growth.
