From financial stress to financial freedom for Auckland whānau
For Augustine Kopa, studying the Certificate in Money Management at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa was about creating a better future for her whānau.
The programme helped her tackle debt, build financial confidence, and develop the tools to make lasting changes for herself and her tamariki.
"I have now successfully built an emergency fund, been able to pay all of my children's annual tuition fees for the first time, opened KiwiSaver accounts for each of them and, most importantly, I am now debt free."
Throughout her studies, Augustine was motivated to tackle her financial challenges and apply her learning to build a stronger financial future.
"At the beginning of the programme, I felt overwhelmed by debt and struggled to manage everything, but I realised that addressing these issues was necessary to create a better future."
As a working mum with young tamariki, Augustine said finding the time to learn more about managing money was difficult, but the flexibility of studying with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa made it possible.
She credits the programme and the support of her kaiako with helping her take control of her finances and gain peace of mind knowing that she’s helping her tamariki build a strong financial future.
"The flexibility of studying online with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa made it possible to pursue my goals while balancing other commitments. My kaiako were amazing. They were thorough, engaging, and always there to help and support me.”
Having experienced firsthand how difficult it can be to face financial challenges, Augustine now hopes to use what she has learnt to help others create healthier relationships with money.
Augustine encourages others who may be in a similar situation to take the first step and study the Certificate in Money Management.
"You have nothing to lose. Go get it done. You deserve all that you dream of."
Find out more about our leadership and management programmes.
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