Education for a wha¯nau
Alvina Edwards has studied alongside all four of her children at university. Support from their iwi, both Nga¯i Tahu and Tainui, has been fundamental to her family’s success, she says.
‘‘All of my children have been in tertiary study. They get some really substantial grants from Tainui.’’
At 56, Edwards is about to submit her PhD on indigenous identity, the culmination of a decade of study, during which she has completed two degrees and a master’s. She also works at Waikato University mentoring Ma¯ori students, tutoring and sessional assistant. ‘‘This house has been a hub of study.’’
Both tribes had a strong focus on youth, providing training opportunities and resources to support their young people from birth, she said. ‘‘The resources right across the board are incredible, and it’s our money. It’s making up for all the decades, all the economic failings, when educational support wasn’t there.’’
– Catherine Groenestein