Hīria Tūmoana

Hiria Tumoana is an icon in the Māori world for her life-time commitment to, and achievements in the revitalisation and teaching of the Māori language which dates to the Te Reo Māori Petition. She is a native speaker, was raised in her traditional tribal setting of Tuhoe, studied linguistics, and has a passion and gift for teaching the Māori language. In 1998, she gained a highly prestigious role at the Māori Language Commission as an examiner.

Hiria has taught at EIT for some 40 years and is highly sought after by students. She appeals to mixed generations of youth, adults and elders. She uses a blend of traditional and modern pedagogies; and has inspired thousands of learners in contexts from traditional classrooms to marae, to Māori radio. Her teaching approach is direct and injected with humour. She is also described as sharp, highly intelligent, empathetic, and as a warrior woman. Hiria consistently receives great student evaluation feedback.

One student commented, “Whaea Hiria is one of my greatest luminaries and I will forever be grateful for all the teachings and learnings she has given and still continues to give me on a daily basis.”