Leading by example and learning te reo Māori

Liisa Wharepapa’s (Te Whānau ā Apanui) journey with te reo Māori wasn’t something that happened overnight, it was a goal waiting to be pursued until the moment she felt ready to take that step.

The moment that truly pushed her forward came when she was elected as a parent representative on the Board of Trustess at the kura her tamariki attend.

“Our kura is going through the process of becoming full immersion, so I thought this is the perfect time for me to learn. I had to lead by example and when you’re on the school board, the picture is bigger than you and your whānau. I studied for my whānau, my hāpori, my hapū and my iwi,” says Liisa.

Liisa began her journey at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa in 2024, completing He Pī Ka Pao Levels 1 and 2, before going on to finish He Pī Ka Rere Levels 3 and 4 the following year. While enrolled under the Ōpōtiki campus, her classes were delivered in her local community of Te Kaha.

When Liisa first began her studies, she didn’t realise the scale of the commitment or how much she would learn. Initially expecting a short course and quick certificate, she soon found herself on a deeply transformative journey.

“I have no regrets taking on this challenge. The biggest challenge for me was the commitment, I work long hours, raise 2 kids, and chair the school board. There were times I wondered how I was going to manage it all, but I kept reminding myself the goal was bigger than me. It wasn’t about whether I wanted to do it, I knew I had to.”

What carried her through wasn’t just the learning, it was the people. In a small community where everyone knew each other, the classroom created something new, a shared journey.

Her fellow tauira became a strong support network, checking in, sharing encouragement and celebrating each step along the way, while her kaiako played a vital role in their growth with constant support, reassurance, and belief in their potential.

“Our kaiako was always there, reassuring us that we were on track, encouraging us as a rōpū. Classes were made fun. If we missed a class, we’d actually feel like we missed out.”

Liisa continues her learning journey beyond the classroom through wānanga, kura involvement, social media, and everyday life. 

At home, she is supported by her whānau, who have encouraged her growth in te reo, with her dedication inspiring both her tamariki and her partner along the way.

“While I was in the class, I didn’t always realise how much I was taking in, but once it’s over, those little moments in everyday life start to show just how much you’ve learned. My confidence has grown, I understand conversations and my journey is only just beginning”

Learn more about our reo Māori programmes.