Mariechen Ngarotata

Background

I am a māmā to three beautiful girls: Hine-hau-tāwhiri (5), Merania (4) and Ariā (1), on any given day you will likely find me in my classroom in Te Puna Wānaka at Ara Institute of Technology.

My bilingual and bicultural upbringing has fuelled my passion for Te Reo Māori, culture and kapa haka throughout my life for which I continue to advocate for professionally and personally.

I have an innate passion for kapa haka having performed with Te Ahikaaroa, Te Ahikōmau a Hamo-te-rangi and Ngā Manu-ā-Tāne.

Professional profile

I have taught within The Bachelor of Māori Language and Indigenous Studies at Te Puna Wānaka and many foundation and degree programmes delivered throughout Ara over the past 10 years. My subjects include Te Reo Māori me ōna tikanga; Māori history, society and culture; linguistics; language acquisition; language revitalisation and planning; and bicultural competence and practise.

Technology enhanced learning

I have lead the development and delivery of a technology enhanced, blended delivery of the Level 5 Certificate in Te Reo Māori, Ākona te Reo; this involved researching, exploring, learning, teaching, advising and trialing technologies to develop technology enhanced course content and resources. More information can be found here.

Research interests

My research interests centre on 21st century learning and teaching, technology enhanced learning, anthropology and sociology. I am currently interested in exploring the role of virtual and augmented reality in language learning, teaching and revitalisation. I was a finalist for the Vince Hamm efellowship in 2016 for my proposal on an action research project on this subject .

Publications include:

  • ‘The pōwhiri process: A model for fostering positive social dynamics’ presented at the Māori Association of Social Science Conference, University of Canterbury, 2012.
  • Guest speaker on Radio Show, ‘Women on Air’, Plains FM, July 2012.

Qualifications

  • Post-Graduate Certificate in Te Reo Māori. (AUT)
  • Bachelor of Language – Specialising in Te Reo Māori. (CPIT)
  • He Tohu Reo Rumaki, Level 6 Certificate in Māori Language -Total Immersion
  • Te Huanui, Level 5 Certificate in Māori Studies
  • Kāwai Raupapa, Level 3 Certificate in Māori Arts (Kapa Haka). (TWoA)
  • New Zealand Certificate in Adult Literacy and Numeracy Education. (Ara)
  • Pending: Diploma in Tertiary Learning and Teaching

Achievements and awards

  • Tū Mai Tauira Scholarship, Te Tapuae o Rehua, 2004.
  • 2016 Finalist in Vince Hamm efellowship
  • 2018 Tech Guru - Ara Teaching Excellence Award

Professional memberships and appearances

  • Rangatahi Representative, ALAC Focus Group, Rāpaki Marae, 2006.
  • MASS - Māori Association of Social Science, 2012.
  • MC Ara Eke Panuku Awards, 2018.

Community involvement

  • Lincoln High School, Kapa haka assistant and advisor, 2009.
  • Te Puna Wānaka Kapa Haka Representative, Waitaha Cultural Council, 2012.
  • Rangi Ruru Girls' School, Kapa haka assistant and advisor, 2011, 2013, 2015.
  • Judge at Ngā Manu Kōrero Regional Speech Competitions, Sir Turi Carroll (Junior English) section, Lincoln Events Center, 2012
  • Judge at Ngā Manu Kōrero Regional Speech Competitions, Rāwhiti Ihaka (Junior Māori) section, Aranui High School, 2013
  • Judge at Ngā Manu Kōrero Regional Speech Competitions, Rāwhiti Ihaka (Junior Māori) section, Christchurch Boys' High School, 2017
  • Te Ahikaaroa Kapa Haka, 2004; 2005; 2006; 2008; 2009; 2010; 2011.
  • Te Ahikōmau a Hamo-te-rangi, 2012; 2013; 2014.
  • Ngā Manu a Tāne Kapa haka, 2015.