Motivated Whānau Share the Journey of Study in Social Work

Image: Artesha Matiu at NorthTec's Kerikeri campus

Artesha Matiu and her dad Reno Matiu both study at NorthTec. Artesha is completing a Certificate in Health and Wellbeing Level 4 at the Kerikeri campus, and Reno is travelling 208kms from Te Kao to Whangarei to attend classes for the Bachelor of Applied Social Work. He stays at the marae to be able to attend classes and says it is a challenge, but, “if you treat each challenge as an opportunity to strengthen your character, you’re better-conditioned for anything ahead.”

The big dream for the Matiu family is to open a health clinic in their community of Te Kao. With mum, Charlotte, and Dad, Reno, as qualified social workers, Artesha has a dream of becoming a psychologist, her sister is currently studying to be a doctor at the University of Auckland and the youngest sibling has dreams of becoming a dentist. Reno says, “Each of us will provide affordable and quality service for our community.”

 Reno says the NorthTec Bachelor of Applied Social Work at NorthTec suits him as it offers 2 days of study in Whangarei, with the rest being self-directed learning at home, which accommodates his family-orientated lifestyle perfectly.

Artesha says “I’m realising since leaving home that my Dad is my inner voice encouraging me to be my best self. As youth, we all have capability to lift ourselves but a lot of us don’t realise we can do that by studying at NorthTec in a supportive system and staying in the area.”