Member spotlight - Pine Southon.
31 March 2026
Pine Southon is the Hautohu Matua (Principal Adviser) for Te Whānau o Ako Pai – School of Education and the Te Uepū Representative at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington.
"I've been a member of TEU since 2009.
One of the things I love about my job is watching the students walk across that stage at graduation, and knowing I've helped them on their way out into the world.
I wanted to be in the union because I wanted to be a voice for Māori in the TEU. I was recruited to the union by something someone said to me that was really powerful. They said, "There's a place for you here." Well, I've found the place, and I invite other Māori members to find their place too."
Each fortnight we want to profile members from across the motu in our member spotlight – if you’re keen to tell your work and union story, get in touch!