Kiriwaitingi Rei

Kiriwaitingi Rei says her family were instrumental in guiding her to pursue a Bachelor of Business degree at the University of Waikato, majoring in Strategic Management and Māori Language/Te Reo Māori.

"They saw that Waikato was the best university in the country for students who wanted to further their studies in tikanga Māori-based subjects, and they also have a fantastic management school," says Kiriwaitingi, who grew up in Rotorua.

"What I loved about studying here was the diversity of people and cultures. It’s amazing to see so many people from all walks of life trying to further their education. I also love how Waikato continues to embrace kaupapa Māori and celebrate the Kīngitanga."

Going from kohanga reo right through to kura kaupapa for 13 years, and raised in a total immersion environment, it was always a given that te reo Māori would be one of her greatest passions in life.

"My favourite subject is te reo Māori because it allows me to retain my knowledge of te reo and further it by understanding the technicality of it in terms of learning the language in a university environment."

Kiriwaitingi was fortunate to be a recipient of the Te Pua Wānanga ki te Ao Scholarship, which helped with paying her accommodation fees at Bryant Hall.

"My mindset and the way that I think really matured during my time at uni," she says. "I learnt to become a lot more independent and not rely on my parents as much. You only have yourself to rely on to get your work done because there are deadlines to be met – there will be consequences to your grades if they aren’t met."

"My tips for other students would be to network with as many people as you can and enjoy your time at uni. My parents always told me that uni is the last step before fully moving into adulthood and to just enjoy it and have fun."

After graduating, Kiriwaitingi joined the whānau team at GHA Associates in Rotorua as a business analyst, and was then promoted to management consultant. She loves working for a Māori-owned organisation that has the kaupapa (mission) of helping Māori succeed.