Business student proves it’s never too late to study
At 62-years-old, Terry Glenister decided it wasn’t too late to expand on his business knowledge and resources. So, in 2020 he enrolled to study business at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.
Terry completed a Certificate in Small Business and Project Management and two years on has grown his business to a place where he didn’t think was once possible.
“The proof is in the pudding, I started off as a small business and now I’m looking at going into a stage where I may need to employ someone to keep it ticking at full service,” says Terry who runs a health and safety business.
The Te Awamutu local admits that he wasn’t the best when it came to the technology side of things but since completing his study he is now far more confident.
“The fact that I’m able to use XERO (accounting software) and understand it, meet with my accountant and understand the terms he’s using and not be so afraid of doing something financial on my banking app, it’s great.”
Terry studied at TWoA’s Mangakōtukutuku campus in Hamilton with kaiako (teacher), Donna Robinson, in what he described as friendly, relaxed and fruitful environment.
For Donna, it’s important to create a comfortable learning environment for tauira (students) in order for them to build the confidence they need to grow their business.
“I aim to draw out confidence in people and let them know that they have potential. It’s about relatabilty too, they realise I’m just like them and we all just have to start somewhere,” says Donna who is a business owner herself.
With a Master of Business Administration and a Masters in Financial Capability for Indigenous, Donna is a well versed kaiako who is passionate about teaching and sharing her knowledge.
“I love my kaupapa (programme) and seeing tauira evolve and transform over the year of study. As an adult you get to experience education in an entirely different light. It’s about pulling on life experiences and wisdom learnt over the years and applying that into the programme,” she says.
Donna believes the programme is a great opportunity for those who want to provide an income for themselves and their whānau and go forward with confidence in their business.
“If you’ve got an inkling of why you want to be in business, then let us show you the how because it’s going to be transformational.”
Find out more or enrol in our business programmes at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.
Pūrongo whakahirahira
Featured stories
Cambridge Museum project guided by wānanga tikanga studies
Cambridge Museum manager, Elizabeth Harvey, is combining her tikanga studies at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa with her passion for local history, to support the museum’s Voices of Cambridge project.
Wānanga launches first of their kind mātauranga Māori certificates, marking a new era for Indigenous knowledge education
Responding to the growing needs and aspirations of tauira, iwi and communities, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa is breaking new ground with the launch of 2 new Level 4 certificates that will be the first standalone programmes of their kind in Aotearoa.
Learning tikanga to strengthen community work
After making the move to Aotearoa in 2014 from Germany, Almaz Bergz set out to gain a better understanding of the people, whenua, and culture that shape life here.
Thriving as a kaiako after He Korowai Ākonga
When Marlena Martin began her studies in He Korowai Ākonga – Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching) in 2023, she never imagined where it would take her and how much she would grow as an individual.
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa launches new international reo Māori learning
iReo is a flexible, self-directed, online short course made up of 5 standalone modules, each running over 6 weeks. Learners can study at their own pace, weaving te reo Māori into everyday life alongside work, whānau, and other commitments.
Wānanga business programme helps launch The Dog Nanny
Ōtautahi local Jane Dungey turned her passion for animals into The Dog Nanny after completing the Certificate in Small Business at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.
From closed doors to open pathways
After the closure of Grace Foundation Whanganui, Craig Kara used his Manaaki Tāngata studies at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa to create Te Ara Kimihia, a kaupapa supporting tāne toward positive futures. His journey of healing, leadership, and transformation now inspires others to find their own pathway forward.
Governance grounded in te ao Māori for future generations
Discover how Māori governance grounded in te ao Māori is shaping future generations. Learn about Manu Taiko – Toro Parirau, a unique programme at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa that empowers whānau with tikanga-based leadership and decision-making skills.
Companion of Te Apārangi, Champion of Te Reo Māori
Te Rita Papesch, musician, educator, and kapa haka stalwart, has been inducted as a Companion of the Royal Society Te Apārangi. Discover her inspiring journey of music, haka, and te reo Māori, and how her lifelong dedication to Māori culture shaped generations.
Keil Caskey – former tauira, now kaiako
Keil Caskey’s journey from tauira to kaiako at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa shows the transformative power of toi Māori education. Discover how his passion for taonga pūoro and commitment to whānau and whakapapa inspired him to teach and give back to his community.
Building confidence, careers, and culture through Māori performing arts
Discover how Te Wānanga o Aotearoa’s Certificate in Māori Performing Arts goes beyond kapa haka, empowering tauira with skills in drama, screen acting, and public speaking. Hear how graduates like Niquita Samuel are building confidence, careers, and cultural pride.
Making connections between media and Māoritanga
Lizzie Dunn created Te Arawhata to help people reconnect with te ao Māori through media, resources, and kōrero. Discover how her reo journey and passion for sharing knowledge are inspiring thousands to embrace Māoritanga and strengthen cultural connections.