New generation of teachers graduates across Aotearoa

15 March 2026

Across the motu, Te Rito Maioha Early Childhood New Zealand students are being honoured at graduations celebrating the next generation of teachers across our 11 takiwā. Graduands celebrating will receive their certificates for Diplomas, Undergraduate, Graduate and Postgraduate degrees in either Early Childhood Education or Primary Education.

“Each graduation marks not just the completion of study, but the beginning of, or continued commitment to a career that will shape the futures of countless tamariki and whānau,” says Kathy Wolfe, CE of Te Rito Maioha.

“At a time when Aotearoa continues to face a shortage of teachers, both in early childhood education and primary, these moments feel especially significant. Every new graduate represents more support for our centres, schools, more knowledge in our communities, and more opportunities for our youngest learners to thrive,” says Mrs Wolfe.

Zariah Baty graduated on Saturday 14 March in Gisborne, in front of her whānau, friends and her young baby.

“Studying with Te Rito Maioha is the best decision I made. I felt so supported by the staff. I love that I didn’t have to move away because I didn’t want to go from home just yet, and a few of my whanau had gone through Te Rito Maioha, and they said, it’s a really awesome tertiary provider that I should try, and I’m so happy I did.”

“I studied the Bachelor of Teaching in early childhood education because I wanted to help the tamariki in my community succeed from an early age. I know that success happens all throughout life, but I felt like I could make an important impact in the earliest years, which is early childhood education, and that’s especially true now that I’ve learned the role that kind and caring kaiako can play.”

“At Te Rito Maioha, I just feel that the lecturers genuinely want you to succeed. I’ve gone through a lot of different things during my studies. Like, I had a baby in the last year, and I could have easily given up, but they motivated me, pushed me to finish, and I don’t think I would have done it without them. I’ve felt so much whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and aroha from them. It doesn’t actually feel like how scary I thought university would feel, it’s just like whānau helping me to succeed.”

“They’re willing to teach you in ways that you learn, not just one way that fits all. And I loved that I didn’t have to move away and all the studying is online, and you have to complete a certain number of hours in an ECE centre. Luckily for me, I got employed where I was studying, so I was getting paid while I learned, and just had to study online. I still got to do my usual home stuff, hang out with my family and friends while also getting my bachelor’s. And then there’s the people at the Gisborne Education Centre, they just understand you on a whole other level because they’re from where you’re from, and they just resonate. I don’t think I would have done it without them, they’re so supportive.”

“At Te Rito Maioha, we are proud to walk alongside our tauira on their journey from tauira to qualified ECE or Primary teachers and beyond,” says Mrs Wolfe. “Our graduates enter the profession with a strong understanding of teaching practice, te ao Māori, and the importance of building relationships with tamariki, whānau and communities.”

“To those graduating this year - congratulations. Your commitment, perseverance and passion have brought you to this moment. The profession needs you, our communities value you, and our tamariki will benefit from the knowledge, care and dedication you bring.”

“Teaching is, of course, a lifelong learning journey, and while these students have now graduated to new teachers or continuing their own learning, we look forward to continuing to support them through professional learning and development and postgraduate opportunities as they grow in their careers.

The first years in the profession are an important time for building confidence, strengthening practice, and connecting with the wider teaching community. By supporting teachers beyond graduation and strengthening their knowledge through postgraduate study, we can help ensure teachers remain inspired, well-supported, and equipped to provide the best possible learning environments for our tamariki,” says Mrs Wolfe.

Media Contact

Rob McCann - Lead Communications Advisor | Kaitohutohu Whakapā Matua
022 411 4560
rob.mccann@ecnz.ac.nz