Emma Hetaraka
2nd-year student, Bachelor of Arts in Māori Media with minors in Māori Development and Te Reo Māori
She has always been interested in showcasing Māori culture on the big screen, says Emma Hetaraka who is studying a Bachelor of Arts in Māori Media with minors in Māori Development and Te Reo Māori.
“Media plays a massive role in our world today and it’s always changing. I want to ensure that tikanga Māori is displayed on every platform. Growing up with and performing kapahaka, I’d always wondered what it takes to livestream and record events like Te Mana Kuratahi, Ngā Kapahaka Tuarua and of course Te Matatini. I wanted to be the one who gets to display our culture to the world through media and television.
“My goal after graduating is to be the Māori producer calling the shots behind the scenes, the one holding the camera, editing segments for shows and including te reo Māori me ōnā tīkanga everywhere I can. I want to make a significant change so that our next generations have a positive outlook on their culture, so that our pēpi and mokopuna can thrive in kaupapa Māori. Our babies see everything; we must protect them and protect our image for their sake.”
She feels lucky to have the opportunity to study Māori media to help her achieve this goal.
“I enjoy being able to learn about what I’m interested in. I was the second person in my whānau to graduate from high school and the first to attend uni. My high school years found me in different places in the country and I moved around a lot. What makes me proud is making my whānau proud. Everything I do is for my whānau; I owe them so much. They’re my rocks, my biggest fans and my motivation. Every lecture, every tutorial, every good grade and every amazing opportunity is dedicated to them. I love being able to say, ‘Yes, I go to AUT. I’m a student'. I’m excited for the opportunities to come.”
A rewarding journey
Emma says adjusting to life as a working student feels rewarding.
“Student life can be difficult sometimes, but it’s so worthwhile and the opportunities are endless. I love meeting new people from all paths of life, including kaiako or lecturers. I was also very lucky to meet my best friend on my first day at AUT. We clicked instantly and I knew we have to graduate together. We have completely different degrees but still support each other regardless. The AUT City Campus is so convenient – Break Time breaks are the best between classes!
“Another aspect of student life I’ve enjoyed is the knowledge that I get to have. Choosing courses is the easiest part. The fun part is getting to take them. I always leave class with new whakaaro and am always eager to learn more.”
She is also grateful for the staff who have helped her immensely on her journey at AUT.
“Huni Strickland-Moka, my kaiako for te reo Māori, helped me through so much mahi. Her class was one I always looked forward to attending. Special mentions also to Dr Toiroa Williams, Watene Nepe and Dr Maureen Sinton. I’m forever grateful for the lessons they have given me. There is one class in particular that I remember from my first year. I struggled with balancing working at a local arcade, making time for whānau and my studies. I always made sure I was transparent with my teachers about my personal issues. Toi especially was very understanding. He wanted to see his students thrive, so he gave me awhi whenever I needed it. He is the teacher that kept me going that year.”
Advice for other students
Emma has some great advice for other students who are thinking about university study.
“Go for it. He kai kei aku ringa – it’s up to me to make change with the knowledge in my hands. Learn to always wonder what’s going to happen next and never stay comfortable in one place. There are so many opportunities awaiting you in so many different places, so don’t be afraid to move to a bigger city. Go with pride, take the wisdom of your tūpuna and seize every opportunity you can.”
She also has some wise words about juggling university and work.
“I struggled with balancing work, uni and my social life. It was really difficult for me to put a pause on work to focus on uni and vice versa. I always made sure to let my lecturers know about my situation, and they would offer me help wherever possible. In mid-2024 I left my job to focus solely on uni and my grades have improved by a huge margin. I’ve always had great support from my faculty, Te Ara Poutama, my kaiako and even the Student Medical Centre. There was never a time when I felt unsupported by AUT while I was struggling; it was the support I was getting that motivated me to keep going.”
