Ngapera Tiopira

Kia ora, my name is Ngapera, and I believe I would be an asset as Head of the Māori Faculty at your kura. I am a passionate, self-motivated leader, committed to fostering excellence in teaching and learning across all curriculum areas. I am eager and prepared to continue upskilling myself to ensure the Faculty delivers meaningful and culturally responsive learning experiences for all tamariki.

I am a fluent Te Reo Māori speaker and continue to deepen my knowledge within Te Ao Māori. I hold strong expertise in Tikanga and Kawa, and I have an absolute passion for, waiata, and kapa haka. I am a child of the mist, Tūhoe descendant and am very true to my iwi. I am also a descendant of Ngāti Porou and Ngāti Kahungungu and excited to learn that side of my lineage.

As a leader, I pride myself on being honest, reliable, and hardworking. I am committed to building strong, collaborative relationships with tamariki, whānau, hapū, and iwi. I strive to inspire and mentor teachers within the Faculty, supporting them to grow professionally and provide high-quality, culturally grounded learning. My goal is to help shape the next generation of leaders by fostering an environment where tamariki can thrive academically, culturally, and personally.

I am currently pursuing a Master’s in Māori Education at Massey University, focusing on transformative education. I have completed four papers, achieving first-class honours in two of the three completed, which I am very proud of. In 2027, I will begin my thesis, with two years allocated for completion. I have successfully balanced full-time teaching, current leadership responsibilities while advancing my studies, demonstrating my commitment to professional growth, leadership development, and educational excellence.

• BMINZ - Business Management Improvement NZ Certificate in the role and functions of the health and safety representative in a New Zealand workplace
• Māori Performing Arts Level 2
• Reo Māori Level 2
• January 2012
• Trident High School - National Certificate Māori (Te Waharoa)
• December 2012

• 2013: Whakatane Intermediate School: (Bilingual school) Completed a four week placement working alongside year seven and eight students.
• 2014: Te Whare Kura O Ruatoki: (Kura kaupapa) Completed six weeks of practicum working alongside year three and four students. 2 weeks full control
• 2015: Te Kura O Te Paroa Totara: (Bilingual School) Completed eight weeks of practicum working alongside year seven and eight students. Principal allowed me to take full control for 6 weeks rather than 4 weeks as my associate teacher had taken time off due to personal matters
• 2016: Reliever teacher at Aranui Primary (Christchurch)
• 2016: Reliever teacher at Ruatoki
• 2016-2017: Reliever teacher at Taneatua School
• 2016-2017: Reliever teacher at Te Kura
• Paroa
• 2019: Reliever teacher at Whangamarino
• May 2019- September 2019: Youth tutor/driver for Manaakitanga Rotorua
• 2019-2020: Waka ama Trainee and Coach – Rotorua Area
• 1 days work: Running of Haka and environmental programmes with Boston University students whilst they were visiting New Zealand.
• 2021: Apanui School: Teacher Refresher Programme 4 week placement - 2 weeks full control working alongside year 4 and 5 students.