Skip Content
Akiko Maruno

In 2009, Akiko Maruno enrolled into her first te reo Māori course when she was appointed as a whānau class teacher at Kaipara College.

Seven years later, the Japanese language teacher is continuing her studies with a Diploma in Te Pīnakitanga ki te Reo Kairangi, through Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

She never considered continuing to such a level.

"I didn't think I'd progress so far, but as the years went on my classmates encouraged me and every year I'm lucky to have inspiring kaiako," she says.

When she came to TWoA in 2011 she was following her kaiako Honor Ross, who gave her a solid grounding in tikanga marae from Awataha Marae on Auckland's North Shore.

Then she tackled Te Arataki Manu Kōrero with Adrienne Peke in 2012 at TWoA, followed by a Diploma in Te Ara Reo Māori in 2013. 

"We built a good foundation using rākau," she says.

"It's hands on which I think is the best way to learn. It's not like using the white board."

Her kaiako throughout her diploma programme, Hohepa Maclean, also took Akiko through her Diploma in Te Aupikitanga ki te Reo Kairangi last year.

Her studies are about more than language, she says.

"It's not only the language I've learned, it's the tikanga as well. I could spend all day doing this," Akiko says about her night classes.

Group work is her favourite learning method, along with noho marae and in her current Pīnakitanga studies with kaiako Mataia Keepa, the focus is on karanga, having completed a module on whaikōrero.

"I consider myself the baby of the class, this is how I feel," she says.

"My classmates are very supportive I just appreciate how they don't criticise me for having a Japanese accent when speaking. I had a hard time pronouncing 'nga', but they helped me in a friendly way."

Next year she's not sure where to go next, possibly to the Waitakere campus to take part in Pīnakitanga again with Te Kurataiaho Kapea.

"I'd like to whakapakari my reo and we are welcome to come back. Also the wānanga has the best library and resources."

Now trained as a primary school educator, Akiko teaches te reo Māori once a week at Three Kings in Auckland is also relief teacher at Taupaki and New Windsor primary schools.

"I've met so many primary school teachers who would like to learn te reo Māori. For my own satisfaction,  I want to carry on learning te reo Māori once a week," Akiko says.

"A weekly evening class from March to November at TWoA is manageable and doable and definitely worth it," she says.

"It's a lifetime commitment once you start learning te reo and tikanga Māori."


 Back to news & events

Published On:

Article By:



Other Articles

  • 9 July 2025

    Victoria's Journey: Embracing te reo Māori in healthcare

    Nurse Victoria Richmond shares how learning te reo Māori through Te Wānanga o Aotearoa’s Papa Reo programme has deepened her cultural competency and patient care. Discover how flexible online learning is helping bridge cultural gaps in Aotearoa’s healthcare system.

  • 02 July 2025

    Turning challenges into change

    Discover how Ian Rauwhero (Tainui, Waiohua, Ngāti Pikiao) transformed personal challenges into community impact through study at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. From family court struggles to social services success, Ian’s inspiring journey highlights the power of education, whānau support, and cultural connection.

  • 18 June 2025

    Painting from within: Nakita’s creative awakening

    Discover the creative journey of contemporary Māori artist Nakita Tilson, whose passion for painting and Māori art was nurtured through her studies at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. From overcoming health challenges to creating powerful works like Hine Tōhenga, Nakita’s story is one of resilience, identity, and painting from within.

  • 11 June 2025

    New country, new skills for Sophie

    Discover how Sophie Li, a recent immigrant from China, built confidence and community through study at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. From English language to money management and small business, Sophie’s journey highlights the power of accessible education for new migrants in Aotearoa.