Student’s thirst for knowledge leads to a diploma in Māori and Indigenous Art
Tereinamu Hakopa has a thirst for knowledge and is dedicated to sharing the knowledge she gains with those around her.
The 36-year-old Dunedin local recently graduated with Toi Paematua Level 5 in Rauangi from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and has taken her learning into her mahi as a Māori Liaison and a kaiāwhina for tauira Māori at Otago Polytechnic.
“I love studying because it sharpens the mind and helps you develop new skills. My study has helped me with my tikanga practice, which I then incorporate into my professional practice. I’ve been able to support Māori students whether they want to navigate tikanga, find resources for their assignments, or even if I'm just meeting with them I'm able to create a safe environment for them,” she says.
Tereinamu began her toi journey in 2021 at the Ōtepoti campus of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa while completing the final year of her Bachelor of Social Services at Otago Polytechnic and remaining in part-time mahi.
As busy as she was, Tereinamu was adamant she wanted to study toi for as long as she did, saying, “It fills my cup and aligns with my heart. So, I had to continue, and I’m glad I did.”
This year, Tereinamu’s mum attended her graduation. She had the honour of seeing her daughter walk across the stage and receive her tohu and also witnessed her take the stage as tauira speaker and inspire the audience by sharing her learning journey.
Tereinamu’s speech inspired her fellow tauira, their whānau, and her mum, who this year studied Toi Maruata, Certificate in Māori and Indigenous Art.
“I love seeing my mum develop in that space. It’s been great being able to listen to her about the projects she’s been working on and offer her my advice and examples through the work that I did.”
Tereinamu is grateful for the learning journey she has been on so far with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Although she is taking a break from her studies, she wants to encourage others to take up study opportunities and make the most of the many available options.
“Challenge yourself, but find joy in that journey, enjoy yourself, and trust the process. Things are only as hard as what you make them. Find the awesome moments in your learning journey, and it will make it all worth it.”
Find out more about our Toi Māori (Arts) programmes.
Pūrongo whakahirahira
Featured stories
Strengthening Indigenous‑led global partnerships
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and Te Māori Manaaki Taonga Trust to host delegation from Pitt Rivers Museum, University of Oxford Delegation and formalise Māori Curatorial Partnership
Upholding reo Māori beyond kura kaupapa
At 18 years old, Te Tatau Strother walked into his first Te Pīnakitanga ki te Reo Kairangi class at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa feeling like the youngest voice in a room full of experienced reo Māori speakers.
Weaving a shared journey of growth
What began as an opportunity to learn something new for Riri (Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi, Ngā Rauru Kītahi, Pākehā) and Rich Rio (Kuki Airani, Ngāti Maniapoto) grew into a journey of confidence, deeper connection to te ao Māori, and a shared sense of purpose as husband and wife.
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.