Skip Content
Donna Chamberlain - Introduction to Team Leadership

Donna Chamberlain hoped to brush up on her leadership skills this year but got more than she hoped for after enrolling at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. 

She’s studying the 18-week NZ Certificate in Business (Introduction to Team Leadership) Level 3 programme at the Māngere campus of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and while she’s been in a leadership role for the last two years, she still found lots to learn. 

“It made me realise all of the little things I’d missed over that time but also it’s making me think more as I go through my day-to-day stuff rather than just doing it,” she says. 

“I’m now trying to put things into practice and it works, mostly. Practice makes perfect.” 

The changes she is making at work are bringing real benefits, she says, “because I’m using more tried and established methods and people can see that and follow it. I’m a bit more methodical”. 

It’s Donna’s first time studying with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa but she quickly felt at home. 

“It’s been really good. I don’t know what I expected but in terms of the people and the facilities and everything else, it’s been great. And the encouragement and assistance with everything has been fantastic. I’ll definitely go away with some good friends.” 

The course gives students the skills and knowledge to lead a team effectively and helps them understand and manage the challenges of operating in the modern workplace. 

Donna says the course is well structured and ideal for those moving in to leadership roles as much as those already in those roles. 

“The course is built up really gradually and sensibly so you can see it all really logically, I think its great. I’d really recommend it for people that are going in to leadership but I wouldnt restrict it. I’ve been in leadership a couple of years now and loved it. I’m still learning.” 

And she intends to keep learning with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. 

“I’ll be back. I think I’ll just do a home study course into the Māori culture, that’s my next one.” 

Find out more about our business programmes.

 Back to news & events

Published On: 06 April 2021

Article By: Tracey Cooper



Other Articles

  • 13 December 2024

    Fellowship tops off big year for Te Manawahoukura Rangahau director

    Te Manawahoukura director Dr Becky Kiddle (Ngāti Porou, Ngāpuhi) has been awarded one of the premier research fellowships in New Zealand.

  • 09 December 2024

    Persistence pays off for Tau Ora supreme champion Cindy Marsters

    It took 14 years, but Facility Support Worker Cindy Marsters finally took home the Supreme Award in the annual Tau Ora health challenge at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

  • 06 December 2024

    Embracing local learning and teaching at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

    Whangarei local, Tom Brooker, joined Te Wānanga o Aotearoa in February this year as a kaiako, but also as a tauira. Tom teaches Kāwai Raupapa Level 4 and last semester he completed He Puāwai, Certificate in Adult and Tertiary Teaching.

  • 4 December 2024

    Teaching: A gift that keeps on giving

    Salote Panapa was on her way to study law at Victoria University when a plea from her church for more educators led her to change her career path.