A path to empowering Māori heritage through education
“I am a young Māori māmā from South Auckland, and I love helping our tamariki while being immersed in our Māori culture.”
Joelle Holland, Tainui, Tūhoe, Ngāti Whātua, was first introduced to Massey University at a Te Aho Matua workshop held at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Maungarongo. Already engaged as a teacher aide, she found profound satisfaction in supporting our tamariki and promoting Māori culture. This sparked a desire to contribute more to her kaupapa and her people.
This newfound aspiration led her to enrol in Massey’s Te Aho Tātairangi: Bachelor of Teaching and Learning Kura Kaupapa Māori programme. To Joelle, teaching was not merely a profession but a powerful medium to instil and nurture Māoritanga in the younger generation. Moreover, it was a vital pathway to help revitalise te reo Māori – a lifelong goal she cherished deeply.
Her journey towards this career was greatly inspired by her mother, Ariana George, a Wharekura Kaiako (secondary school teacher), and Whaea Dianne Pōmare, who was the principal of Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Maungarongo at the time. The influence of these significant figures in her life, coupled with the inspiration she drew from children and her own culture, strengthened her resolve to serve her community and embrace her cultural roots.
During her academic journey, Joelle faced many challenges. Every day was a new test, from juggling her studies and work to raising two young children and launching a successful Māori pēpi products business. But she stood strong and completed her degree. One such instance was when she attended a wānanga while pregnant and caring for her one-year-old child.
“One night, I had a presentation deadline looming while dealing with a teething baby who was unwell that week. Unfortunately, that does not mean I get a time extension, and in the spirit of fairness, I didn’t wish for any preferential treatment. Amidst crying and necessary cuddles, I seized every moment to write a few words. This period was undeniably stressful and overwhelming as my baby clung to me for comfort, unwilling to be held by anyone else. Such experiences posed significant challenges to my mental health, but the remainder of my purpose – contributing to Te Iwi Māori – spurred me on, and I’m grateful I persisted,” Joelle shares.
She attributes her ability to navigate through these turbulent waters to the support of her whānau and partner. Their assistance in looking after her children allowed her the time and mental space to work on her assignments. Her babies, though adding to the complexity of her life, also served as sources of relaxation and gratitude, filling her “motivation cup” whenever it seemed to run dry.
During her time at Massey, Joelle found an environment conducive to her academic and personal growth. The institution’s support system, abundant resources, and myriad opportunities were pivotal in her journey, facilitating her quest for knowledge and self-improvement.
An aspect of her degree that Joelle particularly cherished was the immersion in te reo Māori. Every part of her learning was steeped in te reo Māori, from essays, presentations to speeches. The degree was also based on the principles of Te Aho Matua, a philosophical base created to support the learning of tamariki from a Māori point of view. This alignment with her beliefs and objectives significantly influenced her decision to pursue this degree.
Now, as an alumna, Joelle is committed to growing her pēpi business, a venture that merges her entrepreneurial spirit with her passion for Māori culture. Furthermore, she is excited to commence her teaching career, a vocation she sees as a vital extension of her commitment to her community and culture.
Yet, despite all she has already achieved, Joelle is far from done. She looks forward to the next steps in her academic journey, with plans to return to Massey for postgraduate studies. The same drive and determination that have characterised her journey so far will continue to propel her forward in her future endeavours.
