Sue Tipene (Ngai Tahu, Ngai Tūahuriri) has had a few career changes, but a passion for education has been at the core of each and every one.

A kaiako in kōhanga reo, a Kaupapa Kaimahi for the Kōhanga Reo National Trust, and co-founder of her own kōhanga reo with her partner, are just some of the career hats Sue has worn.

But it was as a kaiako in kōhanga reo that Sue found her passion: raranga (weaving).

Sue learnt raranga by sitting with the nannies and by the time she had finished making her first rourou, she was hooked.

Once confident in raranga kete, Sue wanted to expand her skills to kākahu and learn under renown weaver and kaiako Morehu Fluety-Henare, so she enrolled into Toi Paematua Level 5 in raranga at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. 

During her studies, Sue’s partner of 30 years passed away, and her passion for running their kōhanga reo changed. This led Sue to reconsider her career at 58.

It was her kaiako, Morehu Fluety-Henare, who encouraged her to pursue a kaiako role at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Sue has been teaching the certificate, Kāwai Raupapa Level 4 in raranga at the Te Mouri campus in Ōtautahi, Christchurch ever since.

“I never dreamed this would be a job for me, and it isn’t. It is being paid to do something l love.”

Sue says that it’s the loving and caring environment that drew her to work here after the aroha and awhi she was given when her partner passed away. 

“I am valued and loved here and respected for my age. Even though l am 68, I’m not looking at retiring any time soon.”

Sue’s drive and passion quickly led to more opportunities within Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, with her manager encouraging her to pursue rangahau (research) in the He Waka Hiringa, Master of Applied Indigenous Knowledge programme.

“I specialised in Ngai Tahu Kākahu Kapa Haka, as l am the creator of the uniforms for Ngā Manu a Tane. Walking across the stage with my cohort was one of the highlights in my life, and to proudly wear my gown at each graduation with our tauira makes it feel all that bit more special,” Sue explains.

For any prospective tauira feeling uncertain about pursuing study or a new interest, Sue has some simple advice.

“There is an old saying, ‘don’t put off for tomorrow what you can do today’. Not just meaning tomorrow as the actual tomorrow but your future – don’t put it off and you are never too old – look at me!”