Dr Ruahuihui Birney Ahomiro-Robinson

Tapuika, Ngaiterangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Tūwharetoa

Doctor of Philosophy (Education)

My thesis was an investigation into using a wetland as a learning environment for Rangatahi Māori. The objective was to reveal characteristics of learning environments and explore their ability to offer beneficial outcomes to the learner and the wider scope of Māori education.

Studying with Awanuiārangi was uplifting because of the outstanding academic learning space. Awanuiārangi acknowledges and validates mātauranga Māori and embraces all iwi, hapū and whānau from all walks of life. My research knowledge was enriched by stimulating and critical learning conversations with other doctoral candidates from around Aotearoa.

A PhD is a huge learning experience that pushes our boundaries so that we can discover new things. It has made me more confident in situations that take me out of my comfort zone. I have learned to be more analytical. Having my dad and sister studying alongside me (we graduated together), I learnt that believing in yourself and those around you is the start of the journey to succeed in anything. Perseverance is one of the major lessons – you must remain open to change, open-minded and flexible so that you are able to take on whatever comes your way. I now know that anything is possible if you just try.

Dr Ruahuihui Birney Ahomiro-Robinson, Doctor of Philosophy graduate

Kimihia he huarahi ako

What can you study?

Doctor of Philosophy

Doctoral Degrees are the highest supervised degree offered by Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi. The PhD is awarded for a thesis that demonstrates a candidate’s ability to carry out independent research and analysis at an advanced level of study in a particular discipline and/or field.

Professional doctorate degrees

Doctor of Māori Development and Advancement and the Doctor of Indigenous Development and Advancement are designed specifically for students in professional areas. These are degrees that consider the working experiences of its student body and encourages them to consider how their research can contribute to the tribal, community and indigenous organisations within which they are located.

Ahomiro whānau makes history

It’s a day Henare (Hori) Ahomiro will never forget. A milestone, not only for Hori and his family, but a celebrated first also for Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, from which he graduated with a Master of Indigenous Studies – because graduating alongside him in March 2019 were daughters Kirimatao, with a Master of Māori Studies, and Ruahuihui, with a Doctor of Philosophy.