The Covid-19 pandemic has shown us that life can be unpredictable but one Tokoroa local believes we can regain control of our future through the power of tertiary education.

Vera Rabe, is a kaiako (teacher) at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa’s (TWoA) Tokoroa campus, teaching the Smart Steps to Business programme, which will begin in July.

“We’re seeing so much going on in the world and instead of feeling hopeless or helpless, I want to see people get into business so they have the opportunity to take control of their own lives and future.”

Originally from South Africa, Vera has seen disadvantages imposed on people through lack of education and support and after 12 years in New Zealand she has seen glimpses of the same thing happening here.

Passionate about seeing people create their own success through education, Vera decided it was time to use her 25 years of experience in adult education to give back to her local community and teach business through TWoA.

“The Wānanga seemed like a really good place, where the focus is on keeping Māori principle’s and traditional values alive in the education system to ensure a better outcome for all.”

At 45 years old, Vera has run a couple of small businesses so understands the challenges that come with it.

Through her own experiences and by sharing her business knowledge, Vera hopes she can guide tauira (students) on their own path to success in the business world.

“I’m hopeful that what I can share could motivate or inspire others to take a chance and do something they have always dreamed of. It will be a supportive environment with like minded people and that’s how one can grow and learn.”

Find out more about our Smart Steps to Business programme in Tokoroa or throughout Aotearoa.

Enrol now to study our Smart Steps to Business programme.