Jasmine Pirini

Te Tohu Paetahi Ako: Bachelor of Education - Teaching

I spent a number of years working in a range of positions across the education sector so it seemed a natural progression to acknowledge my experiences by gaining a formal qualification. I also wanted to contribute to the learning needs of Māori students.

Awanuiārangi offered an accessible teaching programme that meant I didn't have to move away from home in North Hokianga to study. A Māori institution appealed to me in terms of meeting my cultural needs, and the kaupapa Māori philosophy that underpinned the programme gave it a unique appeal that I could not see in other BED programmes. Noho wānanga (block learning) meant I was able to study fulltime around the needs of my whānau, part-time work and other commitments. I travelled to Whāngarei once a month for a week of total focus on learning, and the online commitments kept me motivated when I was home.

I have grown personally and professionally through my studies, and have made my whānau/hapū proud. My career prospects improved, too – I was employed by a local school immediately after completing my studies. For now, I’m focusing on my teaching registration, and planning to return to study for a Master of Indigenous Studies.

Jasmine Pirini is a recipient of the Top Scholar Award 2019 for School of Undergraduate Studies and a TeachNZ Kupe Scholarship.