Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti
7 seconds ago
Johnson Hauraki is in his second year of the Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) at EIT Tairāwhiti.
Johnson Hauraki (Ngāti Porou, Tuhoe) has always wanted to be a teacher, but it was only when he started at EIT Tairāwhiti that he realised that he could play a role in raising literacy and mathematics standards among Māori.
Johnson is finishing his second year of the Bachelor of Teaching (Primary), having first done the NZ Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) in 2022. Born and bred in Tairāwhiti, Johnson went straight from Gisborne Boys High to EIT.
Johnson, 20, says that he has wanted to be a teacher since primary school.
“I thought it would be quite rewarding to have an impact on a student’s life and then also see them come back when they get older and remember what you did for them.”
“With teaching I want to be able to raise the literacy and the mathematics among Māori students.”
He says that while he would not mind teaching in mainstream schools, he also likes the idea of going to a kura kaupapa.
The Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) requires students to undertake placements at local schools.
He says that he would have no hesitation in recommending EIT as a place to study because of the environment.
“It was so different to high school, where it is very structured. At EIT, while you have things that you are required to do, you also have more freedom to make decisions.”
Johnson says that his association with EIT will not come to an end when he finishes his teaching degree, as he plans to enrol in a te reo Māori programme when he is finished.
As for where he wants to teach, Johnson says that he will be prepared to leave Gisborne to pursue his career.
Emma McFadyen, EIT Tairāwhiti Site Coordinator and Lecturer, Primary Education, said: “Developing teachers for Te Tairāwhiti is central to the EIT/Te Pūkenga Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) programme, as well as being a degree recognised internationally.”
“Being raised in the region provides Johnson with unique opportunities to give back to his community, along with the potential to spread his wings and explore his horizons. I’m excited to see where Johnson chooses to go in the future.”
