Maria T-Foai

Diploma of Teaching in Early Childhood Education, Bachelor of Teaching ECE, Fully Registered Teacher

Maria T-Foai, Supervisor, Mataliki Tokelau Akoga Kamata

Eldest living child of Feagai and Foai Foai   Aotearoa immigrants who were both born in Fakaofo, Tokelau and later educated in Samoa.  Born and raised in Māngere, Tamaki Mākaurau, life was church focused, family orientated and serving others - serving the community that raised her.  Maria is pursuing her Postgraduate diploma in Educational Leadership.   Maria started out at Mataliki Tokelau as a parent helper, worked alongside her parents in the establishment of the first licensed Aotearoa Tokelau Early Childhood Education centre and became Supervisor in 2015 following the retirement of her predecessor Ruth Kaio.   A long standing member of the Grey Lynn Presbyterian Church and is greatly involved with Grey Lynn PIPC Sunday School.  “Through my study, I have developed a greater appreciation and deeper understanding of bi-culturalism; namely Te Ao Māori.  This cultural context is similar to Pasifika world view; aroha, tuakana / teina, whanaungatanga amongst other values  I also believe that life learning is a continuum.  As a proud Tokelau tautiti, I’d like to think I’m applying best practice when working with children in a Tokelau pacific setting that encourages and supports a love of learning amongst all learners with the collaboration of our wider whānau and communities” 

What is your vision for Pacific Child Wellbeing

The concept of ‘Au’ places the child at the very centre and that resonates with my desire as a pasifika kaiako / early childhood educator to nurture and support our tamariki alongside their fanau making genuine connections to advocate for the confident, holistic future tamaiti.  Alagākupu : Tokelau proverb  ‘Ko te ala ki te pule ko te tautua’  ‘The pathway to leadership is through service’ 