Skip Content
Graduate: Toia Palmer

Tauranga kindergarten teacher Toia Palmer plans to use her own teaching experiences and qualifications gained at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa to support other early childhood teachers to grow their understanding and application of kaupapa Māori.

Toia originally enrolled at the wānanga (TWoA) Smart Steps to Business programme to support her whānau’s orchard business.

That idea soon changed after her kaiako Sarah Lockwood encouraged her to use the vast kowledge and skills she already has.

“My goal now is to support teachers in implementing te reo Māori in their early childhood teaching spaces but through a kaupapa Māori lens and through the use of Māori resources and toi (art),” says Toia who has a Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) and over 20 years of experience in the sector.

She has been studying off and on with TWoA since the early 2000’s. 

In that time she’s managed to achieve a number of diplomas and certificates in areas such as te reo Māori, adult education, and Māori and indigenous art.

“Over the years I have studied with TWoA to build my understanding and knowledge of kaupapa Māori and I’ve implemented the ideas that I’ve learnt back in to my teaching practice and it’s been very rewarding.”

The hope is that Toia’s new business plan will be able to do the same for other teachers in ECE.

“I’m really interested in working with kaiako that understand why they need to learn te ao Māori and are ready to take that next step.

“We all have a responsibility to honor Te Tiriti o Waitangi. I want to be promoting te ao Māori and kaupapa Māori in its highest quality form.”

Toia has already accepted her first formal contract with one early childhood centre to do cultural advisory work. But she plans to take business development slowly as she has also decided to return to TWoA doing a Level 4 Certificate in Māori and Indigenous Art, as well as a total immersion te reo Māori programme at the University of Waikato.

“This contract has been a positive from doing the business programme and it wouldn’t have emerged had I not started working alongside Sarah.”

Find out more about our Business Programmes.

 Back to news & events

Published On: 22 November 2021

Article By: Cassia Ngaruhe



Other Articles

  • 22 October 2025

    From the bush to a PhD - Fabian's journey of faith, family, and learning

    Fabian C Mika’s journey from the ngahere of Rūātoki to earning a PhD is a powerful story of faith, whānau, and mātauranga Māori. Discover how his passion for Ringatū, te reo Māori, and education led to academic success and a legacy of learning for future generations.

  • 20 October 2025

    Mahi toi exhibitions 2025

    From raranga to whakairo, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa toi tauira are showcasing their mahi toi in free exhibitions across Aotearoa from September to November 2025. Discover stunning works of Māori art and creativity, and celebrate the journey of tauira from certificate to degree level.

  • 15 October 2025

    Building a beauty brand through education and drive

    At just 21, Maata Morrell-Dzilic is building a thriving beauty brand with the support of business education from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Discover how her passion, determination, and study in small business and project management are fuelling her entrepreneurial success.

  • 08 October 2025

    From paddling to politics: a journey for reo, rights and representation

    Bevan O’Connor’s journey from waka ama to the political stage is powered by his passion for te reo Māori and Māori rights. Discover how his studies at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and deep connection to te ao Māori are shaping his campaign for the Takitimu Māori Ward.