“I needed the push to go further from our kaiako. They were gentle but firm, and met me where I was at. All of a sudden I was doing a karanga, and calling out from a deep place. Reclamation of identity and culture can be tough, but the amazing way the kaiako walked alongside us made a big difference.”

Irene Farnham (Ngāti Awa, Tūhoe),
Te Wānanga Ihorangi graduate

“As a Samoan woman helping to raise a Māori son, these wānanga have been awesome. I walk away from class every time more determined to make our house a place where te reo lives and breathes.”

Niā Tomo (Ngāti Hāmoa, Pākehā),
Kura Reo student

“I loved my time there. The kaiako were incredibly skilled, and really kind and encouraging of all students, no matter what skill level. It was also great to be able to study in a space where our whakapono was not only accepted but encouraged, and a central part of expressing our Māoritanga.”

REV’D Hamish Dobbie (Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāruahine),
Te Wānanga Ihorangi graduate

“He huia kaimanawa te kura nei a Te Wānanga Ihorangi. He kura hirahira mō ngā tāngata katoa, Māori mai, tauiwi mai, arā, te iwi whakapono. Nau mai whakatau mai ki tēnei hapori, ki tēnei kura.”

Charles Williams (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Whakatōhea, Ngāpuhi), Kura Reo student

“Learning te reo Māori was beyond transformational for me. It was like being given a new set of eyes that allowed me to see the world in a completely different way. I felt closer to my tūpuna, to my kids, to the natural world around me. I should have done it earlier, but no regrets now … I’m just enjoying the ride.”

REV’D Te Karere Scarborough (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hauā),
Te Wānanga Ihorangi graduate and Tumuaki | Co-Principal

“Sometimes I look back and can’t believe how far I’ve come. I’m not the guy who will automatically jump up to the front or anything but if we are in a pinch then I will stand and speak. That makes me feel so proud.”

Scott Parekowhai (Te Aitanga a Mahaki),
Te Wānanga Ihorangi graduate