Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi
Engari he toa takitini
My strength is not as an individual
but as a collective
We Are Takitini
Takitini (previously known as WERA Training Centre) is the provider of the
Te Pou Tautoko i Te Ora: NZ Diploma in Social Services Level 5.
This programme is tailored for full-time Kaimahi working in Iwi Māori social service organisations.
Takitini has been registered as a Private Training Establishment (PTE) with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) since 2020.
Nau mai, piki mai, kake mai ki te whānau whānui Takitini.
Welcome to Takitini!
Our commitment is to help you to achieve with the provision of a supportive environment to maximise your potential.
Our hope is that your time with Takitini will be both enjoyable and successful.
We want to strengthen your options and choice for the future equipped with new skills and knowledge.
Our brand of ‘culturally responsive provision’ offers unique solutions to meet your specific needs.
Nāku te rourou, nāu te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi
With my contribution and yours, ALL will prosper
Noho ora mai
Israel Hawkins, TAKITINI Director
Why Takitini?
Tailored Learning for Iwi Māori Social Service Organisations
The programme is designed specifically for kaimahi working in Iwi Māori social service organisations, providing tailored learning experiences that are directly relevant to their roles and responsibilities.
Enhanced Professional Development
The programme offers a comprehensive curriculum that enhances the professional development of students, equipping them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and insights to excel in their roles.
Networking Opportunities
Enrolling in our Takitini programme allows students to connect with other kaimahi working in similar roles, providing invaluable networking opportunities.
I started my studies in 2021. I had not studied since high school in the 90s! I had just started a new job, a job I knew nothing about, and the only skill I had was life experience. I had no references, minimal education, and hope that I would not let anyone down.
When I was told we would be doing this diploma as part of our mahi, I was excited but more afraid.
Afraid that I wasn’t educated enough, that I would not be able to understand any of the assignments, let alone complete any. Afraid that I was going to fail and let everyone down—my organization, my whanau, and myself. I was afraid that I just wasn’t enough.
Aunty Donna, from the start, was so relaxed and assured us that no one would be left behind and that she would be here to help us or growl, or both. We had class once a week during the day, and there was also the option to attend a night class. We also had access to the FB page, where she would explain each assignment as it was given out and the expectations she had of us, our work, and the assignment.
I passed because of her and her support. She never did my work for me, but she supported me so much that I could pass. My diploma is the only thing I have ever graduated in. My oldest son graduated in culinary arts before me, and I was so proud and then so ashamed that I was not the example for my children. This gave me more than a piece of paper; it gave me the feeling of accomplishment and worthiness. Her supportive words along the way showed me that I am enough, I am worthy, and I can do whatever I set my mind to with the right support.
There are no words to explain how much this has meant to me to finally be a positive example for my whanau. Thank you just doesn’t seem enough.
Nareta Te Kaawa (2022 graduate student)
VISIT US
New Zealand