Growing up, Te Moana often felt disconnected to school. Like many young people, she drifted, disengaged, unmotivated, unsure of the path ahead. But something was stirring; a longing for identity, purpose, and a genuine sense of belonging.
In an honest conversation with Billy Revell, host of the Lesson Learnt Podcast, Te Moana reflects on feeling out of place not only in the classroom, but in a system that didn’t always speak to who she was. That detachment might have defined her adolescent years, but it didn’t define her future.
One of the turning points for Te Moana was learning to embrace her identity which became a source of strength, clarity and purpose. And that shift changed the direction of her life.
Through Ako Mātātupu’s Teach First NZ programme, Te Moana found a pathway not just to education, but to meaningful, community‑oriented teaching. She made a decision, she would not only complete her own learning, but dedicate herself to guiding others.
Becoming a kaiako meant more than teaching academic content. For her and for the students she supports, it meant offering something deeper: a culturally responsive, empathetic, and grounded education. She’s passionate about creating safe spaces where rangatahi can see themselves and know that they belong.
If you’d like to watch the full conversation, you can check it out here.
