Biography
Role
Aria's primary role as a lecturer involves working with and supporting students in their online studies. Teaching across the Matauranga Māori 1 and Te hā o te Kaiako papers also entails the responsibility of supporting students in understanding their obligations as Tiriti-based student kaiako and how Te Tiriti o Waitangi influences and shapes their teaching practice under a bicultural curriculum.
Education background
Aria began teaching in the Early Childhood sector in 2017 at a local Enviro Centre in Rotorua. During this experience she gained valuable knowledge about implementing localised knowledge, tikanga and customs within the early learning environment to enhance learning outcomes for all tamariki. She was born and raised in Rotorua and still resides there with her five tamariki. She is passionate about Te Reo Māori and learning her whakapapa connections. She looks forward to working alongside you all. Whāia te iti kahurangi, ki te tuohu koe, me he maunga teitei- Seek the treasure that you value most dearly, if you bow your head, let it be to a lofty mountain.
Research background
Aria is a Te Rito Maioha alumni and completed her B.Tch ECE in 2020. She is in the process of completing a Master of Education with Te Rito Maioha. Her experience studying with Te Rito Maioha ensures that she can relate to and best support our students within their journey to completing their studies. Alongside her mahi she is also enrolled with He Kainga mō te reo, a full immersion te reo Māori course to strengthen te reo Māori. "My daughter currently attends kōhanga reo and motivates me to learn and grow with and alongside her."
Teaching interests
Aria is passionate about te ao Māori and all that is encompassed within Māori cultural ways of knowing being and doing. She strives to immerse herself in as many opportunities available to her to support her on-going knowledge and understanding of a Māori worldview, to best support our students on the same journey. She believes it is crucial that all kaiako have access to safe spaces to practice, learn and grow their own cultural knowledge so that they too, can work confidently and competently within a bicultural framework that is underpinned by TToW and Te Whāriki. "My passion for teaching stems from having my own tamariki, and many nieces and nephews. I believe that all children deserve the best start to life through quality early childhood education and learning about their own identity."