Natasha Hau feels more complete for achieving her degree.

Tertiary study has opened Bachelor of Arts (Māori) graduate Natasha Hau’s eyes to new-found treasures – spirituality, knowledge and guidance rather than material possessions.

One of two valedictorians to speak for fellow graduates at EIT’s capping ceremony held at the Hawke’s Bay Opera House in Hastings, the Flaxmere mother of four is studying now for an honours degree at EIT’s Te Manga Māori.

Tash’s grandparents are steeped in Māoritanga and at high school she was a member of Wairoa’s kapa haka, Te Rerenga Kotuku.  Of Ngāti Wai descent, she is grateful for those influences and for the support of family but still wanted to more fully immerse herself in her culture by learning Te Rēo Māori.

That journey started four years ago when she enrolled for EIT’s Certificate in Māori Studies (Level 2) – her stepping stone to the degree programme.

“Each day I became more and more engrossed in what I was doing.  I was enjoying it so much that I didn’t want to stop.”

As her guiding principle, she quotes a Māori proverb – ko  tā te tangata i rui ai ko ia anō tāna i kokoti ai – as men sow, so shall they reap.

“If you are prepared to put in the hard work,” Tash says, “the benefits are endless.”