Te Waia Nuku
Te Waia began her studies with the Tohu Māoritanga programme which prepared her for university study, she is now pursuing a Bachelor of Arts.
Te Waia comes from Napier, a city on the East Coast. She moved to Wellington to embark an exciting journey of discovery. She began her studies with the Tohu Māoritanga programme which prepared her for university study, she is now pursuing a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Te Reo Māori and Classical Studies.
Te Waia chose Te Herenga Waka because it is home to one of the best Māori and classical departments in New Zealand. Studying the Tohu Maoritanga helped ease her into tertiary life and gain confidence. "Being from Napier, which is a small city, it was great to move to Wellington and study my passions. Though it is a big city, it isn’t too big or hectic. I love it. There are so many places to study, including cafes and parks".
Te Waia says,she lost her reo attending a kura auraki (English education school) and is determined to get it back. Te Ao Māori is so beautiful, it should be shared and revitalised. I am obsessed with mythology of Māori culture, and those of others. I am intrigued with other ancient mythologies, studying a Bachelor of Arts means she can study both the mythology of the world and embrace te reo Māori.