Terina Coker - Bachelor of Education (Teaching) Huarahi Māori

Terina Coker was in Year 11 when she decided she wanted to become a teacher. She initially enrolled in the Bachelor of Sport, Health and Physical Education, intending to follow it with a Graduate Diploma of Teaching, but quickly realised it wasn’t the right path for her.

“[It] didn’t have the aspects of what I wanted from my degree. I found out about Huarahi Māori and met some of the kaiako who encouraged me to apply to Huarahi Māori the following year.

“I love Huarahi Māori. The atmosphere is centred around whānaungatanga, the way content is delivered makes it seem as though you are having a tutorial session. There are no lectures with 100+ students all crammed together; it feels personalised. I have had no bad experiences and don't think I will.”

A highlight of the programme is the connections that are made, says Terina.

“The student in me wants to say my highlights are my grades but it is the connections I have formed with my cohort, lectures and classes/schools I attended during practicum. I have learnt so much about myself as a student and a student teacher from creating these professional relationships.”

After completing her degree, Terina hopes to work in a kura kaupapa Māori.

“The great thing about Huarahi Māori is that we have the option to go into either a kura or mainstream; whereas other degrees only get the mainstream option.”

The journey has not been without its challenges, but Terina feels she’s been well-supported both in her studies and beyond.
 

“I feel like the main challenge I have faced and overcome like all other students these past couple of years is Covid-19 and the transition of studying online and through Zoom. I was on Zoom in my first year due to Covid and partially online and kanohi ki te kanohi (face-to-face) in my second year. I do feel privileged in a sense of experiencing these challenges and being able to adjust when I am teaching if another pandemic does occur in future (hopefully not!).”

“I believe one of the biggest differences between Huarahi Māori and other courses is the endless support we get. Our lectures are always supporting and helping us, even if it isn't related to class work. I think their ultimate goal, for us students, and our programme, is to encourage us to understand how much we are able to achieve.

“Another support system we have is Te Korowai Atawhai who organise wānanga, workshops and support options for us students. They create pathways for us to have access to what we need whether it's academic, financial, pastoral or just keeping the Te Korowai Atawhai room filled with food. They always have something to help support us.”

For those considering studying Huarahi Māori, Terina recommends they give it a go.

“This degree has influenced me as a person and educator by emphasising qualities and values I hold then allowed me to utilise these within my work.

“An important thing about Huarahi is that it isn’t only for people with Te Reo but also for people who are willing and determined to learn how to speak, learn and teach in Te Reo as we ultimately get two degrees in one. Therefore, if you're considering applying to Huarahi Māori, don't think about it - just do it.”