A father’s inspiration

Sharing a love of farming with her late father, agriculture ākonga Anahera Wanakore (Tainui, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngati Tuwharetoa and Ngati Whatua) is gaining qualifications to carry on working in her Dad’s footsteps. One of four children, Anahera was the only one who developed a love of the land, working with her dad and step mum on the Opunake farm where she lived from a young age.

On her Dad’s passing, Anahera took stock and decided it was time to get a qualification. She expressed an interest in gaining a dairy farming qualification at WITT Te Pūkenga and her mum, who works in careers, had her signed up before she could change her mind.

Anahera completed the Agriculture Farming Systems (Level 3) last year and is now making her way through her Level 4 qualification while working on a dairy farm in Bell Block.

The job was one her WITT Te Pūkenga tutor Adrian Edser had a hand in setting up.

“Adrian recommended me and I went for an interview and pretty much got the job,” she says.

Adrian has also singled out a recent assignment of Anahera’s as an exemplar for other ākonga, which was a particularly proud moment for Anahera after flying under the radar academically throughout secondary school.

She says she’s never had a teacher as good as Adrian, who is known for the strong class culture he creates.

“Ana’s been part of a great group of learners who have really worked well together and supported one another,” says Adrian.

Anahera has also got a good connection with the Kaitakawaenga team who have helped her navigate her way through scholarship applications and StudyLink queries to ensure she has good financial support behind her.

The Kaitakawaenga team also calls on ākonga in class and recently saw Anahera give a presentation as part of her class work.

“Anahera knows the Kaitakawaenga Team is here for her whenever and with whatever she needs,” says WITT Te Pūkenga Kaitakawaenga Māori and Pasifika Team Leader Allana Prestney.