Against challenging odds and with support from kaiako of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, 2 wāhine have completed He Korowai Ākonga - Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching) and secured full-time teaching positions.

Tairua Timu doubted she could complete the 3-year degree, having left school at 14 years old. Meanwhile, Shinaya Kawai faced her own challenges, balancing her studies with a growing whānau.

“I honestly didn't think that I would even get through the interview phase of my enrolment. I never thought I was academically clever enough. I dropped out of high school to go make money and I didn’t even remember the last time I sat a test. But my kaiako supported me and so I started the degree in 2021,” says Tairua.

“I had my first baby at the beginning of 2021, which was my second year of the degree. My teachers were awesome and supported me through. Halfway through 2021 I got pregnant again, but with twins.

I took a year off, but my teachers still wanted me to finish so they come up with ideas to help and support me. Because of the kaiako and the whānau orientated environment I was able to finish my degree and now I work in a classroom,” says Shinaya.

Tairua and Shinaya completed the final year of their degree together at the Waiwhero campus of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa in Rotorua and both wāhine speak highly of the positive atmosphere and the unwavering support they received from their kaiako and peers.

“Whakawhanaungatanga was well implemented and the idea of whānau first. They wanted to see us succeed and would help in any way. And I'm not just talking about the tutors, I'm talking about the Student Support Advisors and the other students. It’s like the whole organisation was helping us become successful in our study,” says Tairua.

Both wāhine are grateful to now be in full-time teaching positions and feel well equipped with the tools needed to be kaiako who can make a positive impact, deeply rooted in te ao Māori within their classrooms.

For those who are contemplating whether tertiary education is for them, both Tairua and Shinaya recommend Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, especially for second-chance learners and those who are eager to learn in a kaupapa Māori environment.

“Whatever life throws at you; you can still do it. Especially through Te Wānanga o Aotearoa because they're tauira orientated and so supportive, they make it possible to finish your study. I had 3 babies in the span of my degree, and I was still able to finish because of the support that I received. So, believe in yourself, don't give up, and draw on the support systems that you have at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa,” says Shinaya. “Tūwhitia te hopo, mairangatia te angitū - feel the fear and do it anyway!”

Find out more about our Education programmes.