Clivena Ngatai-Ormsby - Toi Ohomai.

Ko Pukeroa me Ngongotaha ngā maunga,
ko Utuhina te awa,
Ko Te Arawa te waka,
Ko Ngāti Whakaue taku iwi,
ko Huringaiterangi taku hapū.
Ko Te Papaiouru te marae,
Ko Pango te tangata,
Ko Clivena Ngatai tōku ingoa.

Tena Koutou,

Presently, I hold the role as an Academic staff member/Kai Manaaki at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, and the focus of my role is supporting the Māori akonga in their nursing studies. As a Māori educator, representing Māori perspectives within the work of the Tertiary Education Union – Te Hautū Kahurangi o Aotearoa is something I feel strongly about. My motivation to serve on the advisory committee comes from a deep commitment to ensuring that the voices of Māori educators, kaimahi, and learners are genuinely heard in the conversations and decisions that shape tertiary education in Aotearoa.

My identity as Māori influences the way I approach my work in education. I believe that education should empower our ākonga Māori to succeed as Māori, with pride in their language, culture, and identity. Being able to contribute to discussions that support this vision is important to me. I bring a perspective grounded in Kaupapa Māori values such as Manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, and collective responsibility. These values guide how I engage with others, how I listen to different viewpoints, and how I advocate for outcomes that support the wellbeing and success of Māori learners and educators within the tertiary sector.

I recognise that representing Māori is not about speaking for everyone, but about ensuring that space exists for Māori perspectives and experiences to inform the work of the union. Māori communities are diverse, and meaningful representation requires listening carefully and maintaining strong connections with colleagues, educators, and whānau. One of my strengths is my willingness to listen, reflect, and bring forward whakaaro that reflect the realities faced by Māori working and studying within tertiary education today.

Through my work and experiences in education, I have seen both the challenges and the opportunities that exist for Māori. Issues such as equitable participation in tertiary education, support for Te Reo Māori and Mātauranga Māori, and creating inclusive and culturally responsive learning environments are all important areas that deserve continued attention. I am committed to contributing constructively to discussions about how the union can continue to support staff and institutions in ways that benefit Māori learners and kaimahi.

I also value collaboration and respectful dialogue. Advisory work requires the ability to work alongside others who may come from different backgrounds or hold different perspectives. By building strong relationships and approaching discussions with openness and respect, I believe it is possible to find solutions that strengthen our collective work across the tertiary education sector.

For me, serving on this advisory committee is an opportunity to contribute to something bigger than myself. It is a chance to support the work of the Tertiary Education Union – Te Hautū Kahurangi o Aotearoa while ensuring that Māori perspectives remain visible and influential within the union’s direction and decision-making. I am committed to representing Māori with integrity, humility, and a genuine desire to support better outcomes for tertiary educators, kaimahi, and for our ākonga Māori across Aotearoa.

Nga Mihi Nui,

Clivena Ngatai-Ormsby