Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti
5 mins ago
Tash Hau was recently appointed as Assistant Head of Te Ūranga Waka.
Tash Hau’s journey at EIT began when she enrolled in the NZ Certificate in Te Reo Māori (Level 2) and 16 years later it is still going strong, with her recent appointment to Assistant Head of Te Ūranga Waka.
Since 2007, Tash (Ngātiwai) has gained much experience in the education sector, having recently returned to EIT after three years as Professional Learning and Development Facilitator with the University of Waikato. There she was responsible for supporting Kāhui Ako clusters, principals and teachers to deliver educational opportunities that accelerate success and support equitable outcomes for Māori students.
Prior to this, Tash worked at EIT as a Programme Coordinator/Tutor for more than 10 years. She is also a graduate of all the qualifications from all levels of the te reo certificate, Bachelor of Arts (Māori) and Bachelor of Arts Māori (Honours) as well as the Master of Professional Practice (shared with the School of Education and Social Sciences).
Tash, 44, who grew up in Wairoa, says that her interest in learning te reo was sparked when she was about 12 years old and attended a Kapa Haka wānanga at Rangiahua marae.
“Everyone had an opportunity to share with the group and as one of our elders spoke in te reo Māori, laughter filled the wharenui. I remember vividly wishing I was able to understand and it was at that moment I knew learning my native language was something I needed to do. I realise now, that was my tīpuna (ancestors) guiding me”.
“And although it took probably 25 years from where the journey actually started, during which time I had my children, that I realised what pathway I needed to take”
After finishing school at Wairoa College, Tash spent some time in Gisborne before she travelled to Australia for five years where she has family. Coming from a small town, she felt it was important to see “what else was out there”. It was there that Tash started her family.
Tash moved back to New Zealand with her two eldest children, Alayh and Ibanez which has been a rewarding decision.
“My two youngest daughters Kheyz and Jhrsey have both been part of the Te Ūranga Waka whānau, with Jhrsey accompanying me to classes during the certificate level from eight days old. I was really grateful that within te ao Māori our babies are able to be included and cherished. I believe that as māmā, we shouldn’t have to choose between parenting and education, we are most definitely capable of both”.
She says she felt a number of emotions when she started learning te reo.
“The journey of reclamation was a combination of feeling overwhelmed in the initial stages and a calm sense of being exactly where I needed to be, a healing journey I was unaware I needed.”
“I just fell in love with the place, the people and the kaupapa.”
She is also grateful for the support she had right through the levels of study.
“I have to acknowledge my peers and the tutors across the years who supported me to actually achieve all of this.”
The transition from student to part-time tutor of the certificate programme is something to this day she is grateful for as it presented a pathway to give back to the place that has given her so much.
“I am indebted to the belief that our special kui, Nan Materoa Haenga had in me to pursue this pathway”.
“When we’re students, sometimes we can lack the belief in ourselves and our own abilities, but what I really appreciated was that as a kaiako, Nanny Materoa could see the potential in us and offered opportunities to nurture that.”
Being a Nan herself now to two beautiful mokopuna, Tash plans to continue sharing those teachings with them.
Since then it has been journey forward for Tash, with her efforts recently being rewarded with her appointment as Poutuara, Assistant Head of Te Ūranga Waka.
“EIT is home for me. I’m really invested in the people and the place. I’d like to thank my colleagues, friends, family and my partner Matenga for their ongoing support. It really does make all the difference.”
Pareputiputi Nuku, Pouarataki, Te Ūranga Waka and Te Whatukura, welcomed Tash back to her “whare”.
“We are so happy that Tash is returning to us not only with the amazing skills she left us with, but also the new knowledge and expertise she has gained over the past three years.”