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.

She heard from a friend who had a great experience at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and decided to enrol in the level 3 home-based learning programme, He Papa Tikanga.

“I didn’t grow up in this country, I was new here and didn’t know the customs, but I always wanted to do the right thing. This programme taught me that and made me eager to learn more,” says Almaz who completed the programme in 2022.

She moved on to study level 4, He Tikanga Whakaaro in 2023 and has since applied the learning in her personal and work life.

As someone who works closely within her community, Almaz Bergz has been able to use what she’s learnt to approach her work with greater empathy and cultural awareness.

“The programme helped me better understand how society works and why we react so differently in different situations. Now I'm more compassionate with all sorts of problems I encounter at work.”

Studying from home was a new experience for Almaz and the idea of self-directed learning was initially unfamiliar and daunting.

Her concerns were quickly eased when she found herself guided by a supportive kaitiaki and a learning structure that was enjoyable and achievable.

“I loved learning from home and the flexibility I had. I was able to stay motivated, keep going with my study and I loved learning more and more.”

Almaz encourages others who want to upskill and further their education to give home-based learning a go.

“I had my worries about studying from home because I had never done something like this before, but it worked out really well. I had wonderful kaitiaki who helped me figure things out along the way, so I know others can do it too.”

Find out more about our tikanga programmes.