Weaving programme provides sense of whānau for retiree
With all her tamariki (children) having grown up and made the move across the ditch, it’s left just Rena Mclean living here in Aotearoa.
But the Whanganui local wouldn’t say she’s alone, instead she has found a whānau amongst those she has studied with at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.
“I have made some good friendships. I’ve been able to work with a variety of people that I would normally never meet. You form quite a strong roopu (group).”
Rena first came to Te Wānanga o Aotearoa in the early 2000’s to study te reo Māori, but put studying on hold due to her busy schedule as a teacher.
Since retiring, the keen artist decided to give raranga (weaving) a go and last year she completed Kāwai Raupapa, Certificate in Māori and Indigenous Art at the Whanganui campus.
“It was a worthwhile programme to take and apply yourself in. The successes you can achieve are just incredible, so I would recommend it to anybody.”
Working in education roles for most of her adult life has shown Rena the importance of constantly upskilling and learning, and this is the case for her, even in retirement.
Switching roles from always teaching, to now learning and being a tauira (student) is refreshing for Rena and she has a great appreciation for the kaiako (teacher) she has been able to learn from.
“My kaiako has been inspiring and it’s amazing how she teaches all of us in our different stages of learning. She works with us individually, and collectively, and she accepts us with where we are at and all our personalities.”
Throughout her life Rena has done a lot of academic and theory-based learning, so she is happy to now be in an environment where she is hands on and learning a skill that exercises her creative side.
The sense of achievement that came with every piece of mahi toi (artwork) that she created in class is a highlight for Rena and she hopes to keep achieving while continuing her raranga journey at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.
“Your personality and character come into what you create, and I have found that it also helps me touch base with who I am, go deeper and look at who has come before me and what they have done.”
Find out more about our Toi Māori (art) programmes.
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.