April 2016: “My Nan has always been my inspiration. She encouraged, guided and supported me since I can remember. Sending me to Hukarere Māori Girls School. It gave me the chance to get a great education,” explains 17 year old Rawinia, who plans to study agriculture through Taratahi, one of the oldest agricultural training schools in New Zealand.
“My teachers were much like my Nan guiding and supporting me through my education and personal development. I learnt to study hard, do well and acquire good work habits.”
Nanny Kirikowhai wanted to help her moko but also struggled to make ends with with three growing teenage girls in the house. She was put in touch with Maketu Health & Social Services who connected her with their paeārahi.
Together they worked on their Whānau Plan, which focused on enhancing education opportunities for the girls and helping them with the tools they needed to make those educational goals a reality.
With the support of Te Arawa Whānau Ora the family was given the added benefit of being able to work with an organisation dedicated to helping rangatahi stay active and thrive.
During the summer Rawinia worked part time gaining experience as a wool classer and loved it.
“While working I found out about Taratahi’s agriculture courses and just knew I wanted to work in the industry I made up my mind right there and then. I know that I have the right attitude and confidence to take on such an exciting challenge”, says Rawinia.
Nanny Kirikowhai’s other moko, Kahukowhai (15) is equally focused and does anything she puts her mind, “one year her dance group came first taking out overall competition in Dance. At school she has been placed into a high accelerant class for her age group. She is a very bright and diligent young kotiro and high achiever.”
One of her teachers at Te Puke High School has seen the potential in Kahukowhai had commented that that she will be a senior prefect and has been encouraged by many of her teachers at the school.
The guidance Kahukowhai received from her nanny combined with the support giving by Te Arawa Whānau Ora enabled Kahukowhai to achieve her academic goals and education.
“I am now in the First Fifteen Rugby, Senior 7s Rugby and Netball at Te Puke High School. My expectation now is to get the best out of my education and be a good role model and leader at school and in my community at Maketu.”
Why Te Arawa Whānau Ora Works
Te Arawa Whānau Ora has been successful because it ensures whānau are able to determine their own goals and are given positive support to achieve them. Te Arawa Whānau Ora will work with groups, whānau and individuals to support them to become successful.
Te Arawa Whānau Ora works because it puts whānau in the driver’s seat, they define their own goals and make their own decisions. Te Arawa Whānau Ora has helped over 1500 individual whānau members over the last year. If you would like to know more please contact us.
