Skip Content
Salote Panapa Te Wānanga o Aotearoa He Korowai Ākonga Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching) Māori education kaiako

Salote Panapa was on her way to study law at Victoria University when a plea from her church for more educators led her to change her career path.

After graduating, her drive to create a better future for children and families led to various roles across the education sector, including early childhood, primary, and secondary schools.

After almost 20 years in schools, a colleague encouraged her to try something new – teaching adults wanting to pursue their teaching careers. And that’s exactly what she did.

Salote has been a kaiako for He Korowai Ākonga – Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching) in Tāmaki Makaurau since 2019.

Salote describes her approach to teaching as intentional and holistic, focusing on creating learning that benefits the spirit, soul, and body of tauira. This is an approach she strives to help her tauira incorporate into their future teaching.

Salote credits her faith and the kaupapa Māori environment at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa for keeping her feeling inspired to teach after so long – alongside the highlight of seeing her tauira walk the stage at He Puāwaitanga (graduation) to receive their tohu (qualification).

After almost 2 decades in education, Salote still describes teaching as a gift.

“Teaching to me is a taonga; with it, I can help the next generation of children and adults realise their potential, reach up, and take hold of opportunities that otherwise might have been unreachable,” Salote explains.

To those feeling drawn to teaching but unsure about the commitment of full-time study, Salote offers the following advice:

“This degree can take you and your family anywhere in Aotearoa and the world. The study will require focus, perseverance, and sacrifice for 3 short years, but the benefits you will receive at the end of your degree will far outweigh the cost, tears, and frustrations of being in full-time study.”

Find out more about our Education programmes.

 Back to news & events

Published On: 4 December 2024

Article By: Claire Ross



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.