Biography
Role
As Pouako, Ataahua supports our students | tauira and staff with navigating te ao Māori and upholding the bicultural kaupapa of Te Rito Maioha. She teaches courses in Māori teaching and learning.
Education background
Ataahua has been involved with the early childhood sector since 2016. As a teacher aide and then as a qualified teacher in an ECE centre, she helped develop a bicultural learning environment to nurture tamariki to their full potential and used connections with mana whenua to develop a local curriculum, relevant to tamariki. A graduate of Te Rito Maioha, Ataahua has been on our staff since 2021.
Research background
Ataahua is studying toward a Master of Education (ECE). Her research is focused on developing an understanding of how Mātauranga Māori can support tamariki Māori in mainstream services. This kaupapa reflects Ataahua’s own experiences within an education system that did not reflect her culture in its full authenticity
Teaching interests
As a kaiako, Ataahua’s teaching philosophy reflects her connection to te ao Māori and her commitment to providing safe spaces for everyone to learn more about te ao Māori. Tikanga and kawa are guiding principles to ensure that kaiako and tauira have safe spaces to learn and develop their understanding.