A journey to reconnect with Māori heritage through language learning
Liz, or Irihāpeti, grew up in Taranaki during the 1970s and 1980s, when being a proud Māori wasn’t easy or fashionable. She has spent many years studying languages and holds a Master's degree, but she chose to study European and some Asian languages rather than that of her tūpuna.
She returned home to Ngāmotu in 2017, after many years away as an English as a second language kaiako. In a foundation studies course she taught at Western Institute of Technology Taranaki, her tauira had to demonstrate a basic understanding of pepeha and Te Whare Tapa Whā (Sir Mason Durie's model of Māori health).
"That was enough for me to question if I knew what I was teaching. I realised it was time to learn about my reo and tūpuna Māori."
A one-day wānanga ignited the spark of learning te reo Māori. She enrolled in He Pī Ka Pao (Level 2), at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, with Matua Canaan.
"He had us laughing and enjoying ourselves from the outset."
The following year she completed He Pī Ka Rere (Level 4), with Whaea Cheryl, while working as an English kaiako at a Kura Kaupapa, filling in for a kaiako on study leave. This led to a part-time permanent teaching role at Te Kura Taitamawahine o Puke Ariki / NPGHS, which intended to become the first mainstream kura in Taranaki to make te reo Māori compulsory for Year 9 tauira (students).
To continue her commitment to te reo Māori and to honour the tongue of her Ngāti Maniapoto tūpuna, Liz enrolled in Te Rōnakitanga (Level 5). She's taking it further by signing up for Te Aupikitanga (Level 6) this year.
Liz speaks fondly of the kaimahi and her fellow tauira at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. She agrees it has been a transformative experience right from the beginning.
“I love every minute of karakia, waiata, mihi, tikanga and reo that is shared.”
“No reira, e hoa ma, me manaaki, me tiaki i te arero o nga matua tūpuna e! Kia kaha ki te kōrero Maori!”
Pūrongo whakahirahira
Featured stories
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.
He Māmā, He Rangahau, He Moemoeā
Alex Maddox is turning her lived experience as a māmā into a powerful Rangahau kaupapa through He Waka Hiringa at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Discover how her vision aims to amplify whānau voices in research and policy for tamariki with vision impairments.
Royal Society Fellowship for Kairangahau Matua
Dr Tara McAllister of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa has been awarded the prestigious Mana Tūāpapa Future Leader Fellowship from Royal Society Te Apārangi. Discover how her research will transform Indigenous science, strengthen mātauranga Māori, and advance equity in Aotearoa’s research sector.
Toi tauira to kaiako series – Desiree Moat-Rangikataua
Heretaunga toi kaiako Desiree Moat-Rangikataua shares her inspiring journey from tauira to kaiako at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Discover how raranga, te reo Māori, and a reconnection to culture shaped her path and why she encourages others to embrace growth and teaching.
Raranga weaves culture and people together
Yumi’s muka kākahu beautifully blends Māori and Japanese culture through raranga. Discover her inspiring journey with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, from Kāwai Raupapa to Maunga Kura Toi, and how weaving has connected her to people, tikanga, and identity.
From the bush to a PhD - Fabian's journey of faith, family, and learning
Fabian C Mika’s journey from the ngahere of Rūātoki to earning a PhD is a powerful story of faith, whānau, and mātauranga Māori. Discover how his passion for Ringatū, te reo Māori, and education led to academic success and a legacy of learning for future generations.
Mahi toi exhibitions 2025
From raranga to whakairo, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa toi tauira are showcasing their mahi toi in free exhibitions across Aotearoa from September to November 2025. Discover stunning works of Māori art and creativity, and celebrate the journey of tauira from certificate to degree level.