Photograph provided by Atareta Belczacki

2 September 2026

Atareta Belczacki 

Ngāti Porou, Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti, Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki ki Wahirere, Ngāti Raukawa 

Kaiako, Te Ara Whānui Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Kōhanga Reo o Te Awa Kairangi 

Ākonga, Poutuarongo Whakaakoranga (EBITE) - Bachelor of Teaching (EBITE) 

Atareta and one of her sisters were raised by her grandparents, Jim and Iri Nicholls who were well known identities in their community of Wainuiomata. She has three sisters and a brother. She is married with four beautiful tamariki. Her daughters are 14,15 and 16 years, and her son is 9 years old. The girls attend Te Kura Matua o Wainuiomata, and her son is a year four student at her kura, Te Ara Whānui Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Kōhanga Reo o Te Awa Kairangi. They are all doing great. Her husband is a kaiako as well. He teaches te reo Māori at St Patrick’s College in Silverstream. He has had a remarkable te reo Māori journey, but that’s another story. 

Atareta had been teaching in kōhanga reo for 18 years and felt that she needed to move on. Her tamariki were older and no longer in kōhanga. There was an opening at the kura she attended as a child, and it was the kura where her tamariki were attending at the time. She felt it was another calling. She was told by the kura that she had the experience; she just needed the tohu and was advised to apply at Te Wānanga o Raukawa. She felt it was a sign because her roots are here in Ōtaki and with Ngāti Raukawa. She has no regrets. 

As well as becoming credentialled, Atareta is hoping she will be the example for her tamariki through the completion of her studies. Her tamariki are already hungry to learn, coming from a whānau of teachers. Her two eldest daughters are already enrolled with Te Wānanga o Raukawa while still at kura. One is studying Kawa Oranga and the other is enrolled with Mātauranga Māori. They are loving their studies although stressed at times. 

Whanaungatanga and networking has been great amongst the ākonga of the tohu. They come from across the country and they share what they are doing, including the techniques they use in the classroom. Atareta has found these to be helpful, and she has used them in her classroom and in her home. “It’s been great to share our thoughts and ideas amongst fellow students in a safe and available space.” 

Kapa haka is one of Atareta’s loves, although she prefers to be in the background. She helps by making kākahu, being in the kitchen helping with the preparation and cooking of kai. She supports her tamariki with all their activities. She’s the taxi driver, the ref and the “go to” person. 

While every day has challenges, Atareta describes coming to Te Wānanga o Raukawa as a “get away holiday”. Atareta loves it. According to her, “It feels like a holiday even though it’s study. Removing yourself from your everyday life, feels like a reset every time. You get away from your everyday routine and you’re in this supportive, fun, learning space. I love noho. I would 100 percent recommend this tohu and Te Wānanga o Raukawa to others.” 

Mā te kaiako, mā te ākonga, ka ako 

Through the teacher, through the student, learning will happen. (Emphasising the importance of both teacher and student learning and sharing knowledge together.) 

 If you would like to know more about this course, visit Poutuarongo Whakaakoranga Bachelor of Teaching (Māori Medium) EBITE