Aritaku Robens is one of the countries top CrossFit athletes passing on his skills and knowledge through his role as a kaiako (teacher) at the Wānanga.

The talented sportsman has years of experience in the sport and recreation industry but his desire to help others improve their lifestyle is why he chooses to teach.

“The highlight is helping students realise their potential. I love that I have the ability to help and guide people into a healthier lifestyle and make healthy choices,” says Aritaku who came fifth in the 2021 national CrossFit intermediate division.

27-year-old Aritaku is a kaiako at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa’s Waiwhero campus in Rotorua, teaching the Certificate in Tākaro, Sport and Exercise.

The 38-week programme supports tauira (students) in taking the first steps towards a career in the fitness industry but for Aritaku it’s also about whānau transformation through education.

“One of the things that I tend to push earlier on in the year is that you aren’t just here for yourself, you’re here for your whānau. Once you enrol it’s up to you to use the resources and gain the knowledge to take back to your whānau and promote healthier lifestyles.”

Aritaku is open to teaching tauira from all backgrounds, no matter what their fitness and study goals are as long as they are willing to put in their best effort.

“Alot of tauira come in not backing themselves and then I’m able to teach them and show them that if you do back yourself, you’re able to do a whole lot more than you thought you could.”

Find out more about the Certificate in Tākaro, Sport and Exercise, and our hauora programmes.