Kiri was inspired to begin her Reo journey by her late father, a fluent speaker of Te Reo. Through studying Te Reo, she is experiencing lasting impacts in both her personal journey and role as a Family Court Navigator at the Porirua District Court. Kiri talks about her study experience alongside colleagues, her role working with whānau, and the benefits of studying Te Reo.
Beginning her Reo journey
After being diagnosed with dementia, Kiri’s father reverted to speaking fluent Te Reo around his children. While conversations were held in the language, Kiri and her siblings struggled to understand. Kiri always had a desire to learn Te Reo, so when a colleague told her it was available to study at Whitireia and WelTec, she enrolled alongside them.
Kiri and her group now study the Level 3 Certificate in Te Reo, after completing Level 1 and Level 2.
“It’s great studying with them. There’s four of us, so we try to keep each other accountable along the way.”
The group felt welcome from the beginning, and many of their classmates are continuing their Te Reo journey alongside them. Kiri praises her classmates and kaiako (tutor) Kieran, for creating a positive learning environment.
“Seeing our classmates progress is inspiring. We have students from all walks of life - Māori, Pakeha and Fijian who all study for their own reasons. Kieran does a good job of providing a safe space to speak the kupu (words) and be okay with making mistakes.”
Learning with real world application
The Level 3 Certificate in Te Reo is delivered part-time (36 weeks) or full-time (18 weeks), and introduces ākonga to intermediate level frameworks in listening, speaking, reading and writing. The course prepares students with knowledge that can be used in the workplace, around whānau, in communities or on the marae.
As a part-time student, Kiri spends 2 hours a week in class. Extra learning and homework are done at home or during work breaks, making it flexible for Kiri to balance study.
Values-driven support for whānau
Kiri found that the values and perspectives of Te Ao Māori were naturally woven into the learning.
“Whakawhanaungatanga was a big part of how class was run. From the way we introduced ourselves through pepeha and supporting each other in learning. Studying has given me more confidence to apply tikanga and these practices in my mahi (work).”
As a Family Court Navigator at the Porirua District Court, Kiri supports whānau that come through the family court system. Her day-to-day responsibilities include connecting whānau to external services and lawyers, communicating what’s been said in the court and guiding whānau through legal processes.
“Leaning on whakawhanaungatanga and tikanga helps me be relatable and build trusting connections with whānau. It’s universal and applies to people from all backgrounds.”
Engaging in Te Reo in the workplace
Kiri and her colleagues actively take part in ‘Reo hour’, a time where the group try to converse in full Te Reo for an hour each day.
“We’ll do Reo hour during our lunch breaks. It’s a good laugh and it helps us stay engaged outside of class. We also use this time to work through our homework together.”
Kiri keeps Te Reo at the heart of her work.
“Talking to my pepeha during hui (meetings) and leading karakia (prayer) are part of my everyday practice.”
Reflecting and looking ahead
The class is currently preparing for aromatawai (assessment), where students are tasked with presenting their knowledge of a notable person in full Te Reo.
“I chose my Dad for this aromatawai. I felt like I needed to reflect as to why I’m on this journey and he’s a big reason why.”
Through her journey, Kiri often reflects on a whakataukī (Māori proverb) given by her kaiako Kieran.
“Whāia te iti Kahurangi, ki te tūohu koe, me he maunga teitei – Seek the treasure you value most dearly, and if you must bow your head, let it be to a lofty mountain.”
Study Te Reo at Whitireia and WelTec
Looking to begin your Reo journey or build on existing knowledge? Enrol in a Te Reo programme that’s designed to your skill level. Join a class environment that will help build Te Reo skills across a range of environments.
