She also knew that one of the subjects she wanted to teach was Te Reo Māori and followed this passion through completing her Bachelor of Arts, and most recently, a Tohu Paerua Ako (Kura Tuarua)—Master of Teaching and Learning (Secondary) with a double major in Te Reo Māori and Psychology.
Kaleea was pleasantly surprised at how deeply she connected with her culture through her studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
“I didn’t anticipate how empowering it would feel to strengthen my identity and confidence, both academically and personally,” she says.
“It opened doors to meaningful relationships, especially with like-minded peers and mentors, and gave me a stronger sense of purpose in wanting to give back through teaching.
“My connection to my culture has had a huge impact on me, both as a student and as a student teacher. It has kept me grounded and motivated, and it has shaped the way I approach teaching. I always strive to keep my culture at the forefront of everything I do.”
As part of her study, Kaleea was placed at Te Kura Matua o Wainuiomata for four days every week. Te Kura Matua o Wainuiomata is an immersion Te Reo Māori school located in Wainuiomata High School.
Working at an immersion Te Reo Māori kura was very special for Kaleea, especially as it connected her more strongly with her own heritage.
“He uri ahau nō te iwi o Ngāi Tūhoe, ko Ngāpuhi, ko Ngāti Porou, ko Ngāti Rakaipaaka, ko Ngāti Kahungunu, ko Ngāti Tūwharetoa, ko Te Rarawa, ko Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti, ko Ngāti Tahu, ko Ngāti Whaoa,” says Kaleea.
“Ko Ngāi Te Riu, ko Ngāi Te Paena, ko Ngāti Mataarae, ko Te Uruwera ngā hapū e whakakōkō ana i taku manawa, ngā herenga i waenga i ahau me ōku tīpuna. Ka noho piritahi tōku iwi ki tōku marae ko Mataarae, ko Uwhiārae, ko Tātāhoata, ko Waikotikoti”.
She credits her placement at the kura for strengthening her passion for teaching, helping further her language development, and for reaffirming her desire to work in spaces that uplift te reo me ōna tikanga. It also helped to build her confidence.
“The connections I made with the students and staff were really special, and I felt a strong sense of whanaungatanga from the moment I arrived,” says Kaleea.
“I appreciated how the kura embedded tikanga and kaupapa Māori into everyday learning and interactions—it created a space where students could be themselves and feel proud of who they are.
“The support from the kaiako and wider kura community was incredible, and they were always willing to guide me, share their knowledge, and encourage my growth as a future teacher.”
In addition to full time study and her placement, Kaleea also worked full time in overnight care. She maintained her balance—physically, mentally, and emotionally—through creative journalling and going to the gym.
This multitasking has helped her achieve her goals in quick succession. She purchased her first home at 19 years of age, completed her Bachelor of Arts when she was 20, started her Master of Teaching and Learning the next year, and gave birth to her daughter at 22.
“My daughter is my greatest blessing and being her mum is what I am most proud of,” Kaleea says.
She had on a strong support system to draw on to help her balance her studies, work, placement, and becoming a mother.
“I want to acknowledge my husband, mum, brother, dad, and extended whānau, who all supported me throughout my academic journey,” she says.
When asked what advice she would give past self, or others who are on a similar journey, Kaleea notes that she would tell herself that it’s all worth it, be proud of how far she has come, and she would remind herself to keep practising gratitude for everything in her life.
“For others, my advice would be you can achieve whatever you’re willing to work for. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your support system—whether that’s whānau, friends, or kaiako.”