Te Aroha Paraha - Bachelor of Education (Teaching) Huarahi Māori
Studying Huarahi Māori has allowed Te Aroha to nourish students' inquisitive minds and give back to the community she was raised in.
Ngāpuhi / Ngāti hine
“I chose to study the Huarahi Māori programme because I wanted to gain my qualifications within the context of Te Ao Māori. My favourite part of my university journey would have to be the wealth of knowledge I have obtained and the new whānau relationships that I have created.
“Studying whilst being a mother has had its challenges, at times missing out on family outings because of assignments or going on family outings with only a few hours of sleep. However, I have seen my children grow with me throughout my journey. Seeing the determination in me to complete work has embedded a positive work ethic in my children to strive for success in their own schoolwork.
With my teaching qualification I hope to inspire and nourish students' inquisitive minds. Giving back to the community I was raised in, and handing down the qualities I gained through whanaungatanga, manakitanga and kaitiakitanga to the next generation.
“Samantha and I started our accessory brand as a student wage only covers living expenses. As an end of year excursion we wanted to go to a Six60 concert being held in Waitangi. Because I have some tacit knowledge with creating taonga Māori, Samantha approached me and asked if I wanted to combine our love for knowledge and love of arts and crafts and take our creations to the Tutukaka markets. I agreed thinking this would be a one-off venture, however, our earring journey did not stop there. The demand for our products grew so we decided to keep creating in our spare time.
“Our products are now selling in two shops in Whāngarei and we also had the opportunity to have some of our products displayed in a shop in Kawakawa as well as a small amount being sold over Instagram and Facebook. I have been able to spend quality time with my girls, teaching them about work ethic and skills while they make some extra pūtea doing things they love.
“With my teaching qualification I hope to inspire and nourish students' inquisitive minds. Giving back to the community I was raised in, and handing down the qualities I gained through whanaungatanga, manakitanga and kaitiakitanga down to the next generation.
“Studying is a big commitment which is expensive and time consuming. My advice to anyone thinking about study is to be committed. Be committed to your studies, at the end of your university journey, your achievements as an individual will benefit your whole family. However, remember to take time out for yourself and family and children as they will be the ones supporting you no matter what.”