Doing it for my whānau

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Taking a leap of faith and making a life changing career decision was what kicked off 2021 for Tina Moeahu (Te Atiawa, Ngāruahine, Ngāti Porou).

“Three generations of my whānau have studied at WITT” she said. After completing some work experience and with encouragement from Dave Robinson (Te Atiawa, Ngāruahine) of Dreams Electrical, the decision to study Level 3 Electrical Engineering as her new career path at WITT was decided.

Tina was amazed by the opportunities and support services that were available at WITT to assist ākonga in so many areas of life.  From medical, counselling, learning support, even being issued a laptop for the year! “The Student Success teams are passionate about helping you succeed and I thank all kaimahi for the enthusiasm, challenges and values you shared to help me learn and grow as a person”. She has also become a student leader and is involved in voicing ideas and concerns that help create a better learning environment for ākonga at WITT.

“I wanted to improve my skill-set and grow my capabilities to future proof my whānau and show my two children that if you set goals and are willing to work hard to achieve them, you can achieve anything. I must admit though, although I’ve been a sports coach and represented Taranaki in women’s rugby and rugby league, deciding to study full time with two kids is a constant balancing act”, Tina explained. “Thankfully WITT’s local, as without the support from whānau and friends I would struggle to achieve what I have. Achieving this tohu will also acknowledge their commitment and manaakitanga to me”.

Tina’s brother, Dinnie Moeahu explained, “whānau is everything to us. She’s a mother of two who chose to go back to study to further grow and develop her capabilities. WITT has provided an amazing opportunity and support for Tina to build her skill set. I’m beyond proud of her because she is doing this to provide a better life for her children”.

Tina sends a special thank you to Vic Mudawarima (her tutor) and an acknowledgement to Te Kahui O Taranaki Iwi and PKW for the education grant to assist with her studies.

Tina’s message to the people of Taranaki is simple, “if you want to learn in an environment that supports and encourages students, WITT has an incredible curriculum of exciting programmes that can help you”.  

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