About | Mōku

I am a descendent of Scottish and Irish clans. Through the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, my ancestors arrived and built their lives on this whenua. I grew up in Te Puke and now I live in Te Whanganui a Tara, Wellington. 

My te reo Māori haerenga (journey) began in 2012 with an adult education class at Wellington High School. I was taken by the beauty of te reo and  my learning was guided through Te Ataarangi classes for 3 years. In 2018 our son was born whom I speak to in te reo Māori. Same goes for our daughter who was born in 2020. I get excited about learning new kupu (words), finding new rauemi (resources), and being a part of other’s learning journey.

My style

With a background in primary school teaching, I understand that everybody’s learning needs are different. I am able to adapt my lessons to serve the needs of ngā akonga (the students), ensuring that everybody feels a sense of achievement and success.

Having run classes for both tamariki and adults, I combine elements of play, direct instruction, and ako tahi (co-operative learning) to create dynamic and interactive lessons.

I focus first on whakahua (pronunciation) and learning everyday phrases that build confidence to hold beginner conversations. The content of my lessons leans towards learning te reo ōpaki (everyday language).