I have a passion for teaching and learning. This passion came to the fore through my work in the outdoor sector facilitating teamwork and self-confidence in tamariki. This experience instilled in me the potential and knowledge that already exists in all tamariki and the skill of a teacher to bring this potential out of tauira.

As a beginning teacher my practice continues to develop, however, my experience in the outdoor sector has provided me with a wealth of experience and knowledge to draw from. I have knowledge in te reo Māori and tikanga Māori through 4 years of working closely with local iwi while guiding around Aotearoa. The outdoor education sector primarily uses an ABL, or an adventure based learning pedagogical approach. The adventure based learning model allows tauira to use their bodies during sequenced activities to explore, be challenged, think creatively, and have a sense of place in order to gain knowledge. This pedagogical approach was my first introduction to teaching in the outdoor space. It is learner focussed, embodied learning, and allows for a different perspective of a teacher as a facilitator of development.

I am passionate about teaching where tauira are enabled to learn about themselves and the place that they live and how they affect, and are affected by, this place.