Oriwia Soutar- enjoying the friendly atmosphere of EIT Tairāwhiti campus

 

When former Gisborne woman Oriwia Soutar was selected by the Navy for a sabbatical scholarship she could have chosen to go anywhere in the country, but made a beeline for EIT in Gisborne.

Not only did it give her a chance to spend more time with her parents Monty and Tina and sister Aohuna, 10, it was also an opportunity to study Maori with people from her own iwi.

Although she grew up speaking te reo, Oriwia says she did not realise Ngati Porou used a strong dialect that was different to what was spoken in other parts of the country.

“We have our own way of speaking and I am really enjoying that.”

Studying for a Bachelor of Arts (Maori) had given her the opportunity to learn the language to a much deeper level.

“Growing up I just took it for granted – now I really want to learn more,” she said.

She is thriving on the relaxed pace of life in Gisborne and loving the friendly atmosphere in the classroom at EIT’s Whatukura. The lecturers are addressed as “koka” and “matua” (aunty and uncle) which underscored the feeling of being back at home.

Oriwia joined the Navy at its Devonport base straight after leaving Gisborne Girls High School. After her first three months of basic training, she trained as a chef. After about two-and-a-half years or practice, she decided it was not really her thing. Instead she joined the administration trade where she has now been five years.

Now that she is well into her degree studies she is committed to completing it.

“After this year in Gisborne I will have to do the rest part time at night when I am back to the Navy,” she said.

Oriwia wants to stay with the Navy for the foreseeable future, but does not know where the study path might lead her.

She is hoping her studies may lead to some new directions in the Navy.

“I would one day like to use the skills I am learning,” she says.

At this stage she has no plans to follow in the footsteps of her father, a noted historian and author of the history of the 28 Maori Battalion’s C Company, The Price of Citizenship.

“I don’t think I am passionate about research but I can’t rule it out – my father always told me to do what I love doing.”

When she is not working or studying, Oriwia loves photography