Skip Content

Her own struggles have helped inspire Donna Stanley to do the best she can to help others.

Forty-year-old Donna (Ngāti Apakura), a solo parent from Te Awamutu, last year completed a Ngā Poutoko Whakarara Oranga - Bachelor in Bicultural Social Work at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, after earlier getting a Certificate qualification.

Donna says her life experiences meant she was keen to find a way to help others, as well as create a better life for herself and her tamariki.

“I have always had a deep passion for people who feel marginalised and encompassed by stigmatized thinking. Through the impacts I faced from my own life experience it gave me the push to pursue it further.”

After completing her degree’s year-four placement at Kainga Aroha Community House in Te Awamutu, Donna gained work as the trust’s family support worker. With their assistance, she is in the process of getting her formal registration as a social worker.

“Studying helped me gain the knowledge base and the theory about how to apply best practice in a professional context.”

Donna says she loved the relaxed atmosphere and student support at TWoA, which made her learning journey easier.

She also enjoyed being a tauira representative, which gave her skills in advocating for others and in accessing processes that helped them succeed.

“I was able to be around like-minded people who shared the same vision in a class that was noho-based. The diversity of cultures ensured we could learn other world views other than our own.

“The kaiako were very helpful at any time and, when I struggled to understand certain aspects, they were approachable and enabled me to gain further understanding on various kaupapa.”

 Back to news & events

Published On: 3 September, 2021

Article By: Stephen Ward



Other Articles

  • 23 May 2025

    Rangatahi return to founding campus of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

    Rangatahi from Te Wharekura o Ngā Purapura o Te Aroha and Te Awamutu College return to the founding campus of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa to study mahi toi through the Visual Arts Secondary Tertiary Programme.

  • 20 May 2025

    Marae-Based Research: A Vehicle for Reclamation

    Explore Kimiora Raerino’s inspiring journey from urban Māori upbringing to PhD researcher and Senior Research Fellow at Te Manawahoukura. Discover how marae-based research and māra kai became powerful tools for reconnection, cultural identity, and community wellbeing.

  • 14 May 2025

    A full circle moment from tauira to kaiako

    Explore the inspiring journey of Krystle Nikora, from tauira to kaiako at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Discover how her passion for te reo Māori blossomed and led her to teach He Pī ka Rere Level 3 and 4.

  • 8 May 2025

    Te Wānanga o Aotearoa introduces four new study opportunities in their Semester B offerings

    Te Wānanga o Aotearoa introduces four new study programmes for Semester B, including Māori Governance, Digital Media and Design, Building and Construction Skills, and Study and Employment Skills. Designed to meet the needs of tauira, whānau, hapū, and iwi, these programmes integrate mātauranga Māori and te ao Māori perspectives. Enrol now to grow your skills and achieve your aspirations.