Source: Eastern Institute of Technology
4 days ago
Jo-Anna Tahuri grew up speaking te reo Māori, but her studies at EIT’s Te Whatukura helped deepen her understanding of the language she now teaches to the next generation.
Originally from Whakatāne, Jo-Anna (Ngāti Kahungunu ki te Wairoa, Ngāti Awa and Tūhoe) moved to Te Tairāwhiti in 2018 to study and be closer to whānau, enrolling at EIT at a time when she was still working out her long-term direction.
“Studying Māori was something I was familiar with. I thought I would just do six months while I figured out what I wanted to do and then I just stayed for so long.”
Jo-Anna Tahuri began studying a NZ Certificate in Te Reo Māori at EIT and left with a Bachelor of Arts (Māori) Honours.
She initially began with the NZ Certificate in Te Reo Māori (Level 3) before going straight into the NZ Diploma in Te Reo Māori (Immersion) (Level 5) and then the Bachelor of Arts (Māori) and later her Honours, which she finished in 2022.
Growing up, te reo Māori had always been part of Jo-Anna’s life, both at home and at kōhanga reo during her early years.
“I thought I knew Māori. Then I started studying properly and realised there was so much more depth to the language.”
A highlight of her time at EIT was the whānau-based environment at Te Whatukura, which she says became central to her experience.
“That made the whole experience. It became my second home. Because I was so unfamiliar with Gisborne, I got to know all the people there and they became like another family to me.”
The supportive atmosphere extended beyond fellow students to the teaching staff. “The tutors also have a lot to do with the environment,” Jo-Anna says.
After completing her honours degree, Jo-Anna studied teaching before taking up her current role as a Year 1 and 2 teacher at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Uri a Māui.
“I love it. Everything I learned at EIT feeds into what I do now,” the 26-year-old says.
Teaching has been a lifelong dream, inspired by a strong family connection to education, and her experience with teachers as a child.
“I come from a family full of teachers. It’s something I’ve wanted to do since I was little.”
“When I was at school, I remember all the teachers who believed in me and knew what I could do, and I wanted to be that teacher for other kids, especially our Māori kids,” she says.
She remains a strong advocate for Te Whatukura and encourages others to consider studying there.
“I tell everybody to go there. The tutors and the environment make such a difference.”
Looking back, she says her time at EIT shaped both her career and her confidence.
“It helped me grow. It prepared me for where I am now, and I’m really proud of that.”
Pareputiputi Nuku, Pouarataki, Te Ūranga Waka, says: “We are very proud of what she has accomplished at such a young age”.
“I got to know Jo-Anna when she was employed as part of the EIT’s MoE project, Te Ahu o te Reo Māori based at Te Whatukura. Jo-Anna was kaiāwhina and also responsible for all social media for the project. A warm, vibrant and very sharp young wahine. Wepua, Jo-Anna! Karawhiua!”
