Raewyn Mahara

With over 20 years’ experience in the education sector, Raewyn Mahara decided to take the next step in her professional development by joining the MBA programme at the Waikato-Tainui College for Research and Development.

She wanted to not only gain an insight into all aspects of running a business, but to learn and develop her skills in leadership and decision making - important skills which she could then apply to the education industry she knew so well.

Raewyn’s career in teaching began after she completed her studies at Hamilton Teachers College and joined Melville Primary School, where she was part of a team that established three bilingual units.

Following that she moved on to teach at Ngaa Taaiatea Wharekura in Hamilton when it opened in 2004, before being given the opportunity to be part of an initiative that supports the development of education at wharekura level and, where she was the Co-Deputy Principal.

One of the most invaluable features of the Waikato-Tainui MBA programme for Raewyn was the discussions in class amongst peers, lecturers and speakers.

"The journey has been intensive and challenging, but also one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever been through. I enjoyed the academic challenge and also the opportunity to broaden my horizons in a social context”, she says.

"It is hoped that we have paved the way for others to take the same pathway and have built the capacity within our whaanau to ensure our next generations are equipped with the skills and tools needed to lead others to serve.”

Raewyn is currently the General Manager Maatauranga (Education & Pathways) for Waikato-Tainui, taking on the enormous task of driving key educational initiatives for the tribe.