NZTC graduate awarded Kupe Scholarship

Early Childhood Education Health and Wellbeing

Keona Campbell (Te Kau I Mua, Ngāti Hine; Ngāpuhi) has always been passionate about giving back to the community.

Originally planning to study nursing after completing the New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Advanced Support) (Level 4) with New Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC), an injury set Keona on a different path – but one equally as rewarding.

With 10 years’ experience as a Healthcare Assistant and her Level 4 qualification under her belt, Keona shares how she felt confident to pursue a teaching career.

“While recovering I took a job as a teacher aid, working with students who had high behavioural and physical needs. With my NZTC qualification and healthcare experience, I had greater confidence in my abilities to support children in an environment outside of their homes.”

Keona says her NZTC journey amply prepared her for further study at an academic level, which boosted her confidence and led her to apply for a teaching degree. She is now the proud recipient of a Kupe Scholarship - a prestigious award for Māori and Pacific high-achieving student teachers.

“I know that my NZTC studies will support my practice as a teacher, enabling me to facilitate an inclusive classroom environment for children with disabilities.”

Integrating te ao Māori into the mainstream curriculum and finding the best ways to support children from low socio-economic groups are important goals for Keona.

“As a Māori woman in my thirties, I grew up in an education system that did not foster or value te ao Māori. There is a multitude of research arguing how detrimental the separation of education and culture is for Māori and Pasifika students. I want to be a part of the integration process.

“I am also passionate about supporting our tamariki from low socio-economic groups and challenging deficit theorising within the education system. I believe it is so important to foster a positive sense of self-worth and self-esteem in students, so that they can see their potential to build on and make an impact on the world.”