geoff hawkings - Waiariki Institute of Technology

36 2006 ANNUAL REPORT
SIONE NIUPALAU
Bachelor of Māori Studies
“I enjoyed learning in the
whānau environment at Te
Pākaro a Ihenga. I had good
tutors … they were positive role
models who encouraged and
supported me.”
Sione is of both Māori and Tongan
descent. Raised and schooled in
Rotorua, he completed the Waiariki
Bachelor of Māori Studies in 2005
and a teaching diploma through
Christchurch College of Education at
its Waiariki outpost in 2006. In 2007,
he entered the teaching profession
when he took up the position of te reo
Māori teacher at Rotorua Girls High
School.
“I have maintained networks
with my fellow graduates who
have entered different areas of
the workforce, but teaching was
a natural choice for me because
it runs in the family. Mum is a
teacher, and she always wanted
me to follow in her footsteps. I
enjoy my job: it’s good, steady
employment, and I can give
back to the community in which
I grew up.”
The subjects Sione studied on the
degree all have relevance in his work.
He particularly enjoyed whaikōrero,
arts, and weaving, and admits that
the academic and research skills he
learned have prepared him well for
the masters degree he will undertake
on becoming a fully registered
teacher.
“I am the male Māori presence
at the school. My knowledge
of things Māori—te reo, arts,
whaikōrero, tikanga, traditions,
Treaty, and waiata—all come
into play in my role. I am also
able to express my Tongan side
by teaching the Polynesian
performing group at the school.”