25 July 2025

Soraya Ruakere-Forbes is not just a student; she is a force of nature! She is currently in her third and final year for the tohu, Poutuarongo Kaitiakitanga Pūtaiao at Te Wānanga o Raukawa. She’s been diving into the programme, where western science merges with mātauranga kaitiakitanga. Soraya also has a background in rongoā and the arts, and incorporates these skill sets into her taiao mahi and outlook as a kaitiaki.     

According to Soraya, studying at Raukawa has provided her the opportunity to develop and strengthen in areas of mātauranga, and to connect more with people and the whenua. She found the tutors to be highly knowledgeable, supportive, approachable and experts in their fields. She found the whole environment inspiring.

Once Soraya completes her degree, Poutuaronga Kaitiakitanga Pūtaiao - Bachelor in Environmental Management, she looks forward to more participation in projects and initiatives about the taiao, biodiversity, community focused eco-system restoration - in line with the values of kaitiakitanga. She has always looked to the taiao for solace and direction.

Soraya has worked in Taranaki in taiao spaces while raising her boys.  Kaitiakitanga is a way of life for her. Living off the land and sea, wai māori kaitiakitanga, representing her hapū in different taiao projects, or volunteering for a community event, Soraya finds fulfilment in it all. Over the past decade, she has seen some incredible growth amongst our people and communities. Some highlights for Soraya have been working with other whanaunga delivering a wai-māori kaupapa for Te Whenua Tōmuri.  Taranaki iwi have become more noticeable in their role as kaitiaki in recent years. Soraya sees that our Treaty partners have honed their role too. She feels it's important to carry on with this mahi.

The eldest of Soraya's sons, Chai Te Ranga Pu, is in his last months, studying film production in Wellington. Her pōtiki, Luka Karewa Francis, is still in college in Taranaki.  Luka is an avid all-round sportsman and is very creative.  Both boys have visited and stayed on campus while she’s been in residence. According to Soraya, they really enjoyed the whole mauri of the campus - it's a beautiful place to be.

Soraya is the grateful recipient of: 

2025 Paraninihi ki Waitotara Tertiary Grant 

2025 LA Alexander Fund 

2025 Pou Wānanga: tertiary grant - Te Kotahitanga o Te Ātiawa 

2025 Double recipient of Whakapuāwai Taiao scholarship - awarded by NPDC.