Nigel Rapana

Te Tohu Toi Tangata: Bachelor of Humanities

The Bachelor of Humanities introduced me to a new world of ideas and thinking. We studied different social theories and I had a double-major focus on indigenous studies and indigenous business. The programme really opens your mind. It gives you a broader view of the world and the tools to examine how society operates.

That new perspective gives you the ability to dig deeper, to think critically about social, political and economic issues.

Immediately after completing my degree, I went to work for the regional council as a cultural monitor involved in the remediation of contamination in the Kopeopeo canal in Whakatāne. I also decided to continue this journey in education to Masters degree level, and enrolled in the Master of Indigenous Studies. Ultimately I’d like to work in hapū/iwi development or local government in a role that will have an impact on our people.

Studying at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi has driven my passion for learning Te Reo Māori. I'm still learning but it’s a start. The whanaungatanga and manaakitanga here is very important to me – it’s what helped get me through my Bachelor studies. It’s really something to be among so many people who want to succeed and achieve, and it’s a blessing to have so many great role models to look to for inspiration – people who have been where we students are now.