Māori success stories

Jade is a STEM trailblazer and role model for Māori and Pacific communities.

Jade Pamata-Ma'aima

Riki is a social worker committed to his whānau and his community, studying at Ara in order to make a difference.

Riki Paea

It’s a real honour to be able to do what I love.

Isaac Gunson

Claudia is a language lover with a passion for Te Reo Māori, studying both at the New Zealand Broadcasting School and Te Reo Māori.

Claudia Hillyer

“Completing my degree in 12 months was immensely rewarding.”

Sharon Pendleton

“Being able to learn in a Māori cultural context was life changing.”

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Tania Gilchrist

When she was 17, Kiri Amaara Pitman gave birth to a stillborn daughter. The tragedy sparked an interest in midwifery that became a dream to become a midwife.

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Kiri Amaara Pitman

Jazz musician Clayton Hiku grew up surrounded by music. His earliest memories were of his whānau jamming after dinner.

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Clayton Hiku

At high school, self-confessed goal-setter and go-getter Miriama Kamo secretly wanted to be a journalist, she just wasn't sure how to get there.

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Miriama Kamo

During her time at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Whanau Tahi secondary school, Shady McGregor Pākau had visited Te Puna Wanaka at Ara several times for various events.

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Shady McGregor Pākau

One of Shenaegh Hayden's aims in life is to inspire youth to pursue positive choices in their lives.

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Shenaegh Hayden

The Bachelor of Māori Language and Indigenous Studies has been the perfect way for Te Awhiroa Lewis Kuka-Sweet to advance his dream of teaching Te Reo Māori at secondary school level.

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Te Awhiroa Lewis Kuka-Sweet