Maanvi Naicker

Maanvi Naicker found her perfect pathway at the University of Waikato. Motivated by a combined love for science and education, she has now graduated with a Master of Teaching and Learning.

Like many high school leavers, Maanvi wasn’t ready to narrow her future to a single direction. The flexibility of studying at Waikato initially drew her to a Bachelor of Health and Biomedical Science, while keeping the door open to postgraduate study.

During her undergraduate studies she embraced a range of opportunities, from working as a student ambassador to becoming involved with the University’s Fijian Students Association. She credits these experiences with helping her gain clarity in her future direction.

“Talking to high schoolers not just as a student ambassador, but as a person of colour, helped me see how important representation is,” she says. “I decided that I wanted to teach and be a role model for students like me, who often feel like they’re walking between two worlds.”

After completing her undergraduate degree, Maanvi says the transition into the Master of Teaching and Learning programme was seamless. 

I was able to speak with the right people early on. They knew my background and what I had already achieved, which made it much easier to jump straight in.

Maanvi thrived in her teaching papers, particularly cultural development classes that broadened her worldview alongside hands‑on workshops that provided practical ideas for her future classroom. 

But the highlight of the programme, she says, was completing two practicums at local high schools, where she was able to be fully immersed in the school environment and put her learnings into practice.

“I had the opportunity to develop and deliver a lesson plan on pūrākau, or Māori storytelling, which I had learned about through my Te Tiriti paper, TEEDU501. That was a special full-circle moment.”

Now qualified and looking ahead, Maanvi is focused on making a difference in the classroom. 
“If I can be that person who says, ‘I see you, and I was you,’ then that means something,” she says.

It’s about showing students that they’re not limited by stereotypes, that they belong and if I can do it, they can too.