A teaching journey shaped by whānau
The journey to becoming a teacher was not a straight line for Nimai Fraser-Eccleston, it was shaped by whānau, lived experience and his desire to create a meaningful life for his tamariki.
Originally from Australia, Nimai grew up in Ngaruawāhia surrounded by friends who became like whānau, a foundation that shaped who he is today.
That strong sense of belonging drew him to Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, a place of learning that genuinely values whānau support, flexibility, and understanding alongside academic success.
"Te Wānanga o Aotearoa was open to whānau integration and whānau support. There was an understanding that while study is important, whānau is too. The learning was flexible and manageable,” says Nimai.
Nimai’s career path took shape at 19 while teaching ESOL learners in Vietnam, where an overseas adventure evolved into a lasting passion for education.
Plans to continue teaching overseas were cut short by COVID-19. Returning to Aotearoa, Nimai’s life changed in ways he hadn’t expected. He met his wife, became a dad, and began thinking deeply about the future he wanted for his whānau.
“I had a job, but I didn’t feel like I had a career or a clear purpose. After having a baby, I realised I wanted to spend as much time with my kids as possible and the best way to do that was to go into teaching.”
Nimai completed a Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching) last year and stepped straight into work.
Through strong relationships built during his practicum, he was offered a teaching role before he had officially graduated.
“Relationship building on practicum is everything,” he says. “You’ve already shown what you’re capable of.”
Now teaching Year 7 and 8 students, Nimai admits it wasn’t his original plan, but he’s loving it.
“I always thought I’d teach younger kids, but this age group has been amazing. I’ve got a great team and a great environment.”
Now firmly established in the classroom, Nimai hopes to see more young people choose teaching as a career, especially tāne.
“We need more strong, able, good role models for our tamariki, people they can look up to and be inspired by.”
Find out more about the Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching) at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.
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