Tiana Finay: Learning the business side and looking ahead

Originally from Levin, Massey University felt like a natural choice for Tiana Finay, Ngāti Kahungunu, Hamoa. It was close to home, offered strong study options, and fitted well with what Tiana wanted to achieve. When her partner began planning to start a business, she decided to step in and support the journey from the paperwork side.

“My partner wanted to start a business, so I thought I’d help him out. That’s what led me to study a diploma in business studies,” she says. 

Throughout her studies, Tiana found value in papers that focused on real-world applications. While the workload was heavy at times, Tiana is honest about the reality of studying.

“It’s not easy. There’s a lot of work to get through.”

Behind the scenes, support from family played a big role in getting her to graduation day. Her dad was a major source of encouragement, and becoming a parent herself added a deeper layer of motivation.

“My dad, for sure. And I have a child now too. I want to show him, when he’s older, that he can do it as well.”

Graduation day itself was filled with moments that made all the hard work worthwhile. For Tiana, one highlight stood out above the rest.

“The kapa haka! I loved watching that and all the cheering from the family.”

When asked what advice she’d give to future students, Tiana keeps it simple and real: “Just do it. It’s not easy, but go hard. You can do it.”

As for what’s next, Tiana is taking things one step at a time. “For now, it’s work. Maybe later I’ll come back and do a bachelor or something like that.”