Biography
Role
Lisa is responsible for the academic teaching staff based in Te Whanganui-ā-Tara and manages the organisational needs of the team. She is also responsible for maintaining strong relationships with our local ECE community. Lisa teaches in the Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) programme.
Education background
Lisa grew up in Te Whanganui-ā-Tara and completed primary school teacher training in 1995. She taught in primary schools in Aotearoa New Zealand as well as the United Kingdom, and in early childhood education since 2010. She has worked in adult education with Spark and NZEI – Te Riu Roa and been involved in tertiary education since joining Te Rito Maioha in 2018.
Research background
Lisa’s research focus includes teenage Māori mothers’ experiences of health, social, financial, education and whānau support. She is concerned with disrupting the dominant discourse of colonisation in Aotearoa New Zealand and resisting oppressive systems that disadvantage tangata whenua. Her research is underpinned by kaupapa Māori theory.
Teaching interests
Lisa’s teaching inspiration comes from her father who was a kaiako in Te Kohanga Reo in Rongotai ki Te Whanganui-ā-Tara. She chose to teach to make a difference in the lives of the tamariki and whānau, and to support teachers-in-training to become the best possible teachers for communities.