I want more for Maori & Pasifika tane who are over represented in New Zealand’s (justice) statistics. I want to use my walk, alongside vulnerable communities whilst working in the social services sector and whanau lived experience, to serve tane impacted by their relationships with prison. The Masters of Community Action & Social Impact has provided a platform to sharpen my social justice lens with indigenous knowledge holders, build on my work in the trenches with those at the heart of this kaupapa and share my hopes with like minded peers, critical thinkers anddreamers. Being given the opportunity to delve deeper into the histories, politics and coal face realities, faced by those navigating predominantly pākeha systems of reintegration has broadened my understandings, and provided the necessary ‘next step’ for contributing to meaningful change.

Having joined the Teach First NZ Programme as part of Cohort 2020, Jayatheeswaran (Jay) Vijayakumar, a former medical doctor, has transformed his passion for the sciences into a force for change in the Bay of Islands community. Currently the Head of Science at Bay of Islands College, Jay has been instrumental in shifting perceptions of the sciences among students in the region, ensuring its relevance to their lives and aspirations. "I wanted to see students fall in love with the sciences, having witnessed too many drift away at an early age. My journey has been about re-storying what science means—connecting it to culture, community, and real-world problem-solving.

“I had been studying Physics for 5 years and I wanted a career that would have real net impact in the world. I put myself forward for the Teach First NZ Programme because Ako Mātātupu was committed to addressing inequalities in the education system. I started a Science club at school to encourage more students into Science. They were nervous to join at first, but more join every week! Now that they feel more confident, they’re actively exploring careers in Engineering. It is awesome”.

“Now I’m 8 years in, I can see the impact this teaching practice has for our communities. If you’re on the fence about joining this programme, I say just do it. You won’t regret it. I chose the Teach First NZ Programme so I could teach in a way that allows rangatahi to stand strong in their cultural identity. I wanted to use my Biomedical Science degree to be of service to my community, so I decided to train as a teacher.”

“School played a big part in shaping who I am today, so I chose to go into teaching after finishing university. I love that the Teach First NZ Programme is all about diversity. Teenagers are just starting to figure out who they are, and they need to see teachers who reflect these identities. I was lucky enough to return to my old school as part of the programme, and I’m now a Science Curriculum Leader there. I really love being able to give back to the community that raised me.”

From a young age, Junior found great joy in helping his peers with their studies. This passion led him to aspire to become a mathematics teacher, aiming to serve as a role model and inspire other Pasifika students to succeed in STEM subjects. Junior completed a Bachelor of Science at the University of Auckland, with a major in Mathematics. Upon graduation, family responsibilities meant that Junior had to take on full-time work to support his family. Ten years later, Junior discovered the Teach First NZ Programme, which would allow him to realise his dream of becoming a Maths teacher and was accepted into our 2025 Cohort. What excites him about this opportunity is that it allows him to follow his passion for teaching and making a real impact by supporting students on their educational journey, all while continuing to care for his loved ones.

Motivated by a deeply personal moment with his mother and aunty following their cancer diagnoses, Brent was inspired to reconnect his whānau with their whakapapa and strengthen intergenerational ties. Through the Master’s programme, Brent gained the knowledge, tools, and confidence to explore his family’s stories and create meaningful ways to share them—particularly through whakairo and mahi toi as creative expressions of identity and connection. Brent’s project became a powerful catalyst for healing and unity within his whānau, as they rediscovered belonging and identity through their shared history. Reflecting on his journey as both a Kairapu and staff member, Brent recognises the transformative power of culture, storytelling, and love in shaping a hopeful, connected future for generations to come.

I had thought about applying to do a Masters programme at some point, but I had never found a programme that resonated with me. I didn't like the idea of taking a break from my work or completing a programme that wasn't tailored to my context. All of my past studies had been through a large University where I had felt isolated and challenged by the restrictive nature of their programmes and student supports. Ako Mātātupu’s Master of Community Action and Social Impact provided the opportunity to work with my community, drawing on my relationships and experiences and lived knowledge of the challenges we are hoping to overcome.