Kaumātua proving that age is no barrier to learning

It didn’t start with big lectures or formal classrooms. It started on a Tuesday. Every week, for eight weeks, a small group of Kaumātua showed up curious and ready to learn. And what unfolded through the WaiTech Whanaungatanga Microcredential was a moment of rediscovery for its latest three graduates.

The WaiTech Whanaungatanga Microcredential became a space where, for Karen Chase, Derek Walker and Gina Coleman, age was not a limitation. It was a place where their personal stories were shared and confidence grew week by week.

Karen (Rereahu, Ngāti Kahungunu) was described as a steady presence who helped anchor each session, creating a learning environment where everyone felt safe to turn up exactly as they were. For her, the learnings became a path back to her whānau.

“I’ve never done this before. I thoroughly enjoyed it and learned something new every day. This experience gave me a sense of feeling connected and getting to know my whānau. I knew my mum’s side more than my dad’s. Making those connections with my dad’s side was beautiful.”

For Derek (Ngāti Kahungunu), returning to study was a first, and a revelation.

“My journey was welcoming. I found out so much about myself and who I am. I didn’t know I had all these hidden things.”

Having tried to learn te reo Māori many years ago, Derek found this experience unlocked confidence not only in learning, but in everyday life.

“This course has helped me a lot and alongside our kaiāoko Rosina and Jessica, and with my two mates here Karen and Tina I had a blast.”

The third graduate, Gina (Whakatōhea, Te Whānau-a-Apanui, Ngāpuhi), said the microcredential sparked momentum that will now continue beyond the classroom.

“A lot of us are getting on, and this is food for our brains to keep them working. I encourage others to do this. It was amazing and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Now I’m embarking on te reo. I see the reo as a vessel for all that I’ve learned and my culture.”

She also shared how supporting another participant to reconnect with where they come from became a highlight of the journey.

At the end of December, the rōpū came together for a small graduation. For Karen, Derek and Gina, this wasn’t the end of their learning journey. It was a reminder that they still have plenty to offer and that they’re already leading the way within our kaumātua rōpū.