Skip Content
Rena Mclean: Graduate Kāwai Raupapa, Certificate in Māori and Indigenous Art at the Whanganui campus

With all her tamariki (children) having grown up and made the move across the ditch, it’s left just Rena Mclean living here in Aotearoa.

But the Whanganui local wouldn’t say she’s alone, instead she has found a whānau amongst those she has studied with at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

“I have made some good friendships. I’ve been able to work with a variety of people that I would normally never meet. You form quite a strong roopu (group).”

Rena first came to Te Wānanga o Aotearoa in the early 2000’s to study te reo Māori, but put studying on hold due to her busy schedule as a teacher.

Since retiring, the keen artist decided to give raranga (weaving) a go and last year she completed Kāwai Raupapa, Certificate in Māori and Indigenous Art at the Whanganui campus.

“It was a worthwhile programme to take and apply yourself in. The successes you can achieve are just incredible, so I would recommend it to anybody.”

Working in education roles for most of her adult life has shown Rena the importance of constantly upskilling and learning, and this is the case for her, even in retirement.

Switching roles from always teaching, to now learning and being a tauira (student) is refreshing for Rena and she has a great appreciation for the kaiako (teacher) she has been able to learn from.

“My kaiako has been inspiring and it’s amazing how she teaches all of us in our different stages of learning. She works with us individually, and collectively, and she accepts us with where we are at and all our personalities.”

Throughout her life Rena has done a lot of academic and theory-based learning, so she is happy to now be in an environment where she is hands on and learning a skill that exercises her creative side.

The sense of achievement that came with every piece of mahi toi (artwork) that she created in class is a highlight for Rena and she hopes to keep achieving while continuing her raranga journey at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

“Your personality and character come into what you create, and I have found that it also helps me touch base with who I am, go deeper and look at who has come before me and what they have done.”

Find out more about our Toi Māori (art) programmes.

 Back to news & events

Published On: 29 June 2023

Article By: Cassia Ngaruhe



Other Articles

  • 07 February 2025

    Curiosity ignites a journey of discovery through raranga

    Maunga Kura Toi graduate, Tracey Dale, has been on a journey with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa that has helped her reconnect with her identity and find her voice in the world through raranga.

  • 29 January 2025

    Evie O’Brien officially welcomed as new chief executive of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

    Te Wānanga o Aotearoa proudly welcomed Evie O’Brien (Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Maniapoto) with a stirring pōwhiri at the Te Awamutu head office\on Tuesday, 28 January.

  • 23 January 2025

    Learning Waka Ama led to an unexpected future

    Discover how Matt Tauroa's journey with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa's Waka Ama course led to a passion for the sport and a new career. Learn about his experiences, from earning a day skipper qualification to starting his own paddle and accessories shop, Manaaki Made. Explore the positive impact of Waka Ama on his life and how Te Wānanga o Aotearoa supports Māori sports and education.

  • 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.