Skip Content
Truedy Taia story

Truedy Taia is all about empowering women to achieve in a male-dominated industry. Truedy leads the first all-women crew for Rotorua-based forestry organisation, Mahi Rākau after being invited to start one a few years ago.

“I originally started as a cook for the travelling crews, but I didn’t realise I was actually being guided towards starting an all-women crew,” says Truedy, who now manages a crew of up to 11 women of various ethnicities.

After making the switch from cooking, Truedy was immediately connected with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa to begin learning theory to complement the practical on-site skills she was learning in the forest.

Truedy has now completed the Certificate in Forest Industry Foundation Skills Level 2 and Thinning to Waste Level 3 through Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, with kaiako Shand Edwardson in Rotorua.

“Shand takes the time to work with us. He made us feel comfortable enough to be able to achieve. He’s just really good, he will work one on one, and work with everybody to find a solution.”

Truedy has loved her time studying at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. While she admits it can be a little challenging juggling study with work and family commitments, she is grateful for the experience.

“It’s so welcoming. Every time I pass anyone in the hallway, I get a kia ora, hi, how are you doing. From anyone – students, kaiako, kaiawhina. It’s a positive environment which you don’t get everywhere.”

Forest management is the next goal for Truedy. She wants to help others, especially women, get to where she is, managing their own crews.

“I’ve built the reputation of non-saw women working in the bush, I don’t want to throw that away. I want to be able to move on and know that someone else can carry on that legacy for me.”

When she thinks back 5 years, she can’t imagine she’d be where she is now. She definitely didn’t envision herself paving the way for other women to empower themselves.

“I’m about paving the way for you women, you younger girls to empower yourselves and have courage to put your foot out there and have a go. If I can do it, they are more than capable of doing it too. I love it, I wouldn’t change it for the world. I love being in the bush.”

Find out more about our Professional Skills and Trades programmes. 

 Back to news & events

Published On: 24 June, 2024

Article By: Gemma Bradly-Jacka



Other Articles

  • 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.

  • 23 September 2025

    HRC Maternal Health Inequity Report

    New research led by Dr Sarah Lockwood highlights critical gaps in maternity care during Cyclone Gabrielle, urging the Government to include midwifery and Māori leadership in emergency planning. The report calls for equity-focused reforms to protect pregnant women and whānau in climate crises.

  • 18 September 2025

    From Wānanga baby to Wānanga tauira

    Ripekka Matthews’ lifelong connection to Te Wānanga o Aotearoa began as a child and continues today through her te reo Māori studies. Discover how her journey from wānanga baby to tauira reflects whānau legacy, cultural identity, and the transformative power of education.

  • 05 September 2025

    Cooking up confidence in te reo Māori

    Āku Hapa! is a reo Māori cooking show created by Te Wānanga o Aotearoa tauira, blending kai, kōrero, and comedy. Streaming on Māori+, this series celebrates learning te reo through laughter, mistakes, and whānau connection - one delicious dish at a time.