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Pūhoro welcome two new Kaihautū to the Manawatū

Earlier this year Pūhoro welcomed back two new Kaihautū to the Manawatū region, Amber Te Tau and Jahnae Philips. Amber and Jahnae are no strangers to the kaupapa having been a part of Pūhoro throughout their high school and tertiary journey.

Earlier this year Pūhoro welcomed back two new Kaihautū to the Manawatū region, Amber Te Tau and Jahnae Philips. Amber and Jahnae are no strangers to the kaupapa having been a part of Pūhoro throughout their high school and tertiary journey.

The role of Kaihautū is to work directly with high school tauira to support them on their STEM journey by removing barriers and creating opportunities for Māori to engage in STEM.  

We caught up with Amber and Jahnae to hear about their time with Pūhoro so far. 

Tell us a bit about yourself and what encouraged you to join Pūhoro?

Amber:

Ko Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa me Rangitāne ōku iwi.  

Ko Amber Te Tau tōku ingoa.  

In high school, I joined Pūhoro seeking additional assistance with my STEM subjects. However, I soon realized that the program's mission extended beyond science. Through Pūhoro, I developed a keen interest in mātauranga Māori and a deep-seated passion to facilitate the success of indigenous communities in Western settings. These personal motivations ultimately led me to work with Pūhoro, where I can combine my two interests and contribute to the program in a highly fulfilling manner.

Jahnae:

Tēnā koutou katoa,  

Ko Jahnae Philips tōku ingoa. He uri ahau nō Ngāti Kahungunu Ki Wairarapa me Ngāi Tahu.  

This year, I had the privilege of securing a Kaihautū position with Pūhoro. The position of a Kaihautū resonates with my career goals as an educator, as it allows me to pursue teaching within a Kaupapa Māori framework without encountering the barriers present in the mainstream education system. I am grateful for this opportunity to apply my skills and experience towards advancing Pūhoro’s goals and contributing to its continued success.

Reflecting on your experience as Pūhoro tauira how does this help you in your mahi now?

Amber:

Having been a part of the kaupapa from its inception, I consider it a privilege and feel a strong desire to contribute as much as possible. Serving as a Kaihautū is one of the most effective ways for me to give back. Pūhoro has provided me with an abundance of support, opportunities, and experiences. I've witnessed firsthand the program's remarkable ability to inspire students to pursue their aspirations, as it has done for me. Thanks to Pūhoro, I now have the personal experience that demonstrates that achieving my dreams is possible.

Jahnae: 

During my secondary school education, I often found myself disengaged in STEMM subjects due to the curriculum's heavy reliance on Western examples. I discovered my true passion lay in Te Ao Māori me ngā tikanga Māori and how I could combine my knowledge of both Māori knowledge and STEMM subjects to serve my people, community, and iwi. Having witnessed the success of the Pūhoro program first-hand, I am eager to draw on my personal experiences to cultivate positive and meaningful relationships with my students. My ultimate goal is to help them unlock their full potential and achieve their academic and career aspirations.

What is the highlight of your mahi as a Kaihautū so far?

Amber:

Being able to assist our students and provide them with the support they need is a highly rewarding experience. As a Kaihautū, I am in a unique position to help our Tauira navigate the unfamiliar terrain that lies ahead of them. I take great pleasure in being able to pass on the knowledge and guidance that I lacked when I was in year 13, both the knowledge that I knew I needed and the knowledge that I didn't realize I needed. Seeing our students thrive and achieve their aspirations is truly fulfilling.

Jahnae:

As a Kaihautū at Pūhoro, I consider it a great privilege to utilize my experience in education and relatable age to mentor and support our students. A key objective of mine is to bridge the gap between Western and Māori knowledge systems and cultivate a deeper appreciation for their respective values and contributions. I am in a unique position to help our Tauira navigate the unfamiliar terrain of NCEA that lies ahead of them and equip them with the tools they need to succeed. Seeing our students grow in their confidence, knowledge, and skills has been truly gratifying.

What advice do you have for tauira Māori on their transition into the workforce?

Amber:

The world is yours to conquer, and as Māori Rangatahi, you possess a distinctive perspective that sets you apart. You bring valuable assets to the table that others don't and can achieve whatever you set your mind to. Pūhoro offers you an array of resources to help you reach your full potential, including academic and cultural support, fresh experiences, and phenomenal opportunities. It's vital to build your kete, and we have the necessary tools to assist you in that endeavor. Don't hesitate to explore all aspects of Pūhoro and discover what you are truly capable of achieving.

Jahnae:

Believe in yourself and your limitless potential. Although high school can be challenging, it is crucial to take advantage of the resources available to you. If you encounter difficulties, do not hesitate to seek help. We are here to guide and encourage you, and to help you navigate your chosen pathway. As Rangatahi Māori, you have a valuable cultural grounding that can serve as a source of strength and resilience. Embrace your whakapapa and use it as a tool to overcome challenges and to create a positive impact in the world. Your success is within reach; it only requires determination and effort!

What are your aspirations for tauira Māori walking alongside Pūhoro?

Amber:

My aspirations for our Tauira are for them to feel empowered and supported in pursuing their dreams. I want them to know that they can achieve great things and that as Māori, they possess unique skills and perspectives that set them apart in the world. Through the resources, support, and opportunities available through Pūhoro, I hope to inspire our students to push themselves beyond what they thought was possible, both academically and culturally. My ultimate goal is for our Tauira to leave Pūhoro feeling confident and prepared to succeed in whatever path they choose to pursue.

Jahnae:

As a Kaihautū at Pūhoro, I have broad aspirations for the Tauira Māori who walk alongside us. My primary objective is to create an environment where students can fully embrace their Māoritanga and cultivate a deep appreciation for the value of matauranga Māori. Additionally, I am dedicated to ensuring that our students flourish academically and have access to the skills and knowledge they need to achieve their academic aspirations. Above all, my goal is to instil in them a sense of pride and resilience in their Māori whakapapa, inspiring them to become leaders within their Iwi and succeed in their chosen pathways.

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