This year marks a momentous milestone for Te Wānanga o Raukawa as we celebrate 50 years since the inception of Whakatupuranga Rua Mano — the visionary kaupapa laid down in 1975 by Professor Emeritus Whatarangi Winiata and the Raukawa Marae Trustees, from which the Wānanga was conceived.

Among this year’s graduates are exceptional tauira whose journeys embody the vision of Whakatupuranga Rua Mano and the revitalising power of mātauranga Māori.



Rachel Petero (Waikato), graduating from Heke Te Reo Māori, is the founder and CEO of RISE Global and IWI – Indigenous Women in Industry. After nine years of longing to reclaim te reo, she enrolled in the diploma to restore and strengthen the language for her whānau, marae, and hapū. Her journey reflects the growing movement of wāhine Māori leaders reconnecting to te reo as a foundation of identity, purpose, and wellbeing.

Ashleigh Ali (Ngāti Pikiao, Rangitāne, Ngāti Kahungunu, Muaupoko) is graduating from Poutāhū Whakaakoranga Akorau, a one-year postgraduate Diploma in Blended Teaching and Learning. Motivated by a shortage of teachers after covid, in her hometown of Dannevirke - and with her twins starting kura this year -  Ashleigh felt called to be part of the solution. She has a long history with the Wānanga, having completed three earlier qualifications since 2011. Her story demonstrates the determination of whānau Māori to uplift their communities through education.

Ratahi Tamatea (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Rongomaiwahine) will graduate from Heke Reo, with plans to continue with the full three-year degree. A kaikaranga and kairaranga, Ratahi hopes to offer weaving classes taught entirely in te reo Māori, filling a growing need for spaces where mātauranga tuku iho and te reo can thrive together. This year, Ratahi and her class were encouraged to share their pūkengatanga through short workshops supported by their pūkenga; experiences that strengthened their confidence and expanded their dreams for a reo-led future.

Each graduate carries a unique story of commitment, whakapapa, and transformation — and each reflects the enduring impact of mātauranga Māori on the wellbeing of their whānau, hapū, iwi, and communities.

This is the first Te Rā Whakapūmau for our new Tumuaki, Professor Meihana Durie, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the Wānanga’ story of growth, leadership, and commitment to kaupapa Māori education.

With over 430 plus graduands from 41 qualifications, and more than 1,500 guests expected, Te Rā Whakapūmau is the largest celebration of its kind in Ōtaki, a day of pride, whanaungatanga, and wairua.

The day will feature two presentations, each followed by a hākari, giving expression to manaakitanga allowing graduates, whānau, and manuhiri to come together and celebrate in true Wānanga style.

We invite members of the media to attend, capture the spirit of this significant day, and share in a story that reflects intergenerational vision, Māori achievement, and the living legacy of Whakatupuranga Rua Mano.

Nau mai haere mai ki te Rā Whakapūmau a Te Wānanga o Raukawa. Haere mai ki te whakanui i tēnei rā whakahirahira mō ngā ākonga.

For more information visit our webpage Te Rā Whakapūmau 2025 or to RSVP, please contact:

Marama Hapeta, Kaihautū

Te Whare Tūhono, Marketing and Promotions

marketing@twor-otaki.ac.nz.

Ph. 06 364 9011