Raiha Thompson - Bachelor of Education (Teaching) Huarahi Māori

A TeachNZ Scholarship is funding Raiha's teaching studies, allowing her to advance from a Pouawhina (support) position into the role of a Pouako (teacher).

“I decided to become a teacher after I started in a support role at my daughter’s kohanga reo in 2010. I love teaching tamariki something new and seeing the look they get when that lightbulb moment happens for them.

“After researching some teaching programmes, I knew the Bachelor of Education (Teaching) Huarahi Māori specialisation was the best option for me. I knew I wanted to become a Māori-medium Pouako of te reo, and I had seen many of my peers graduate from this programme with amazing success.

“Te Waka Whakarei Career Changer Scholarship has helped me to advance from a Pouawhina (support) position into the role of a Pouako (teacher), by funding my studies. Pursuing this dream would not have been possible without the financial support of the scholarship. I have been able to study as well as support my growing whānau without hardship.  

If you get the opportunity to receive a TeachNZ Scholarship, jump at it. This tautoko can really help change your life.

Raiha Thompson Te Waka Whakarei Career Changer Scholarship recipient

“As a mature student, the demands of juggling whānau and studies at the same time can be really difficult. This became even more evident during the 2020 Covid-19 lockdown. The tautoko and connection with my teachers and peers at university, and the financial support from the scholarship got me through. Dreams are a starting point – hard work, good support, and money in the bank can help make the dream reality.”