14 September 2026

Apirana Marley Tangaroa Toheriri-Hallett 

Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Tūwharetoa 

Kaiako, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Manawatū 

Ākonga, Poutuarongo Whakaakoranga Wharekura 

Although Apirana always knew that he wanted to be a kaiako, he also ran from it. He spent time in the military, overseas with engineering and truck driving but none of these kept him excited. Through the encouragement of his whānau he was led back to teaching. He always wanted to teach rangatahi, especially rangatahi Māori. He'd like to influence boys to grow into good men. 

One of Apirana’s friends was enrolling into the Poutuarongo Whakaakoranga Wharekura programme at Te Wānanga o Raukawa and invited him to join him. Apirana looked at the website and found more information about the teaching programmes. He had also attended the graduation ceremony of one of his aunties and found the experience a more comfortable environment to be in. These plus the initial interview with the pūkenga drew him into the programme. He started in February 2025 and his buddy did not. He is in his final year for the degree, as he received recognition of prior learning for the first year of the programme. 

The reality of being a Te Wānanga o Raukawa student has more than met Apirana’s expectations. He is comfortable in this space, amongst the pūkenga, kaimahi and his fellow students. He has gained a bunch of new friendships which will be forever, “They are all kaiako and we are all walking the same path. It’s important to have good relationships with people.” 

Apirana wants to be a great teacher. Through this programme, he hopes he has learnt the specifics of teaching, and how to balance being a teacher, being a good pāpā, being a good partner, being a good leader, and having understanding. He also wants to amplify the importance of education, especially amongst rangatahi. He is always happy going to work at the kura. He loves being a kaiako, helping tamariki do well and encouraging them to strive for whatever they want to do. 

Graduation for Apirana is close. This December he expects to walk the stage to receive his degree. According to him, “It hasn’t been a hard journey. It’s been enjoyable to the point where I could continue studying. I am inspired to carry on with studies. One day I’d like to be a tumuaki. I love the management side of teaching as well, and I like to push myself.” 

Time management is one of the skills Apirana has learnt through his studies. Another is the importance of looking after yourself so that you can give the best version of yourself to your students, partner and whānau. Another is ensuring the quality in your work is worthy of the tamariki and their learning. Being prepared and making sure you plan for various scenarios you may encounter. 

Raised by his mother, Apirana's father wasn't around much, but it was okay because he had a solid whānau. His grandparents helped raise him too. There were five tamariki. All sons. Their mother sent them to Te Ara Whānui Kura Kaupapa Māori o ngā Kōhanga Reo o Te Awa Kairangi, where there were some great male kaiako. They along with my koro taught us to be good men. 

Apirana has two beautiful tamariki. His son is Manaia Te Rangi Tupara Enoka Konia Toheriri, and his daughter is Hiwa-i-te Rangi Mariah Merekatene Moari Konia Toheriri. His lovely partner, Shavon Konia has been supportive throughout his studies. She is Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa. There are plans to marry soon. His whānau is close and do a lot of activities together. His koro passed at the end of 2025. It was a big loss for the whānau, but they are okay. 

Sports have always been a part of Apirana's life. He has played at semi-high levels. Before he became a teacher he thought he wanted to do sports science, "My dream was to be the sports nutritionist or physio for the All Blacks. Rugby is a huge passion along with rugby league and waka ama. I play and coach ki-o-rahi. I took up waka ama because I didn't want to have the long-lasting injuries that come along with sports like rugby and league. I love cross-fit. I play golf and volleyball. I enjoy music. I enjoy kapa haka, but I don't perform anymore. I would love to start up our own kapa. My other loves are mahi toi and te reo Māori." 

The Poutuarongo Whakaakoranga Wharekura programme is something Apirana is keen for his partner to take up as well. He has been urging her to enrol, because of his great experience as a student. He hopes she can start next year so that they will be teachers together. They would be able to have the same holidays, which would be a bonus for the whānau. 

Graduation, marriage, whānau, more study, and tumuaki are in his plans. 

He taonga rongonui, te aroha ki te tangata - Goodwill towards people is priceless

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