Tauwiratanga Hita is a Māori warden who for over 25 years, has been helping her community since becoming a teacher's aide at Bream Bay College in Ruakākā.
In this edition we catch up with this industrious lady from the North to learn a little bit more about her.
Published: Wednesday, 16 December 2015 | Rāapa, 16 Hakihea, 2015
Ko Tauwira Hita taku ingoa
Ko Pūhanga Tohoraha te maunga
Ko Mangataua te awa
Ko Te Rautawanui te marae
Ko Ōtaua te whenua
Ko Ngāpuhi te iwi
This year Tauwiratanga graduated from her tertiary studies at Te Whare Wānanga o Aotearoa.
It was over two decades ago that she first started this journey. She explains further.
“One day, a school teacher came to my home because a nephew of mine was going to school here. He wasn’t able to read or write,” she says.
This was the catalyst for Tauwira to go to her nephew’s school and help him out.
“I went to his classroom and that's when I became a teacher aide. Now 25 years have passed, my nephew has left the school, but I'm still here,” she laughs.
Tauwira is also a Māori Warden in Whāngārei, a job she says, she loves to do.
“I just do what I need to do in my community, if the work's not done, then the work won't get finished.”
Tauwira says studying was a perplexing but rewarding experience.
“It was very intense study, very challenging intellectually. I just about cried. However, I passed and I'm overwhelmed right now!”
Education is a passion for Tauwira, and one that she is committed to passing down to her whānau whānui.
“Yes, it's my passion. I hope to help my own grandchildren and great grandchildren and also assisting my extended family."