Te Rito Maioha Kept Me Pono to Who I Am

Rangimarie Hona-Renata | Bachelor of Teaching (ECE)

Ko Rangimarie Hona-Renata toku ingoa. No Kaeo ahau.
I graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) and I work as a qualified early childhood teacher in Kaeo.

Upholding the Mana of our Tamariki

“For me, teaching in early childhood education is about upholding the mana of a tamaiti, understanding how I can support our tamariki and their whānau, and celebrating every tamaiti for who they are.”

My Journey

My journey in early childhood education started many moons ago, working and learning alongside my babies in Kōhanga Reo.

When I was offered a chance to study through Te Rito Maioha, at first I was anxious about how I would fit in, transitioning from the kaupapa of Te Kōhanga Reo into a mainstream setting.

I also needed to know that I could still be a Mama first before I could commit to this new opportunity. But I knew people who had trained through Te Rito Maioha. They shared amazing experiences and said the programme had fit around their work, whānau and personal commitments.

I realised this was the space for me

“As soon as I stepped outside my comfort zone, I realised I didn’t need to be anxious – I remember my very first block course and going home with this massive weight lifted off my shoulders.”

Throughout my training, Te Rito Maioha kept me pono to who I am, supported me to realise that this space was for me and kept me accountable.

Korero, Creativity and Te Tiriti

The block courses were a great space for students and kaiako to collaborate and korero about the issues faced. We were driven to think beyond and be imaginative and creative in the way we interacted, nurtured and supported our tamariki and their whanau.

The online forums gave me opportunities to engage and learn with peers across the country and expand my own teaching practices.

Throughout the three years of my training, I’ve really appreciated the stance Te Rito has towards Te Tiriti and Māori as Tangata Whenua, and the importance of this being taught to all.

It worked for me as a mama

“Having the flexibility and support to be a Mama and keep working while I studied was huge to me. I needed to know that I could still be a Mama first.”

At times, I did find study hard, but I set specific times aside for it and whānau support helped me get through any late nights.

My advice if you’re a Mama and thinking about training with Te Rito Maioha is give it a go. Talk to your whānau, ask for support if you need it, look after yourself and if you need a break take it.