Celebrating Success Through Education
Our Education Grants have helped students achieve their goals and shape brighter futures. Here, they share their inspiring stories with our shareholders—real experiences that highlight the impact of your support.
Apera Rangataua Pai
Ko Apera Rangataua Pai ahau, he uri whakakake nō Rereahu, nō te whakapapa rangatira o Jack Mitataupōpoki Pai. He honore nui ki au te kawe i ngā kōrero tuku iho o tōku whānau, o tōku iwi, o Rereahu whānui
I am currently completing my Master’s degree in Indigenous Studies at Ōtakou Whakaihu Waka (The University of Otago). My research explores Māori and Pasifika influence within professional rugby league and how key Māori concepts and values continue to underpin the success and cohesion of footy teams across the world.
Alongside my studies, I own and operate an Indigenous consultancy, Te Aohurihuri Collective, that supports organisations in centring themselves within Māori principles so they can collaborate, adapt, and thrive in an ever-evolving world.
He tangata māhaki au, he uri Rereahu, he pou ako, he pou tautoko. Most importantly, I am a dedicated father to my two tamariki — and proudly their full-time Uber driver.
Hei whakakapi, hei whakaukī:
“Ko Rereahu te tangata, ko te mana, ko te ihi, ko te wehi e kore e tineia.
Mā te aroha, mā te tika, mā te pono ka ū ki te akoranga o ngā tūpuna.”
Philleen Dickson
Ko te manu e kai ana i te miro nōnā te ngahere, ko te manu e kai ana i te mātauranga nōnā te ao"
E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā karangatanga maha o te wā, tēnā koutou katoa.
This year I have been undertaking my Masters in Applied Indigenous Knowledge, He Waka Hiringa at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. This study has given me the opportunity to explore indigenous knowledge and broaden my worldview. I have been able to consider the holistic needs of indigenous populations, examine values and principles important to indigenous communities and reflect on my own practice as an indigenous practitioner.
My particular area of study aims to explore Māori perspectives on recovery, healing, and system transformation within the mental health sector in Aotearoa New Zealand. Drawing on the knowledge of those that work on the frontline, their expertise and mātauranga I will use Kaupapa Māori Research Methodology and thematic analysis to understand Māori understandings of healing and recovery, cultural values that guide mental health practice, and what vision there is for system transformation and workforce development.
I would like to mihi to Tiroa E & Te Hape B for the educational grant I received. This made a significant difference in supporting my studies, reducing financial pressure as a one income household and allowed me to fully focus on my mahi, research, and writing. I am deeply grateful for the tautoko and the positive impact it had on my academic journey.
Ngā mihi nunui ki a koutou katoa. Mauri ora.
“Mā te whenua hei oranga te iwi mō ake, ake, ake. The land, our heritage and our values will nurture our people now and forever”.
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