Luther Hirini.
Luther Hirini, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Huia, describes his Massey journey in two parts. From 2015-2017 he had a full scholarship through rugby to study at Massey. He plays professional rugby both in Aotearoa New Zealand and overseas and has just returned from playing rugby in the United Arab Emirates.
“I didn’t really study well and didn’t turn up to exams or anything, so my scholarship and semi-professional rugby contract didn’t get renewed. So my mindset shifted and I became a distance student," he says.
The second part of his journey was from 2018 to 2023.
“I was paying my own way and working hard and I went from earning a C- to an A. I really enjoyed the journey and stuck with Massey due to the kaiako and the awhi shown from the Bachelor of Sport and Exercise kaiako especially.”
After completing a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise, Luther competed the Graduate Diploma of Learning and Teaching.
“Mum was a teacher and I had been exposed to classrooms before. I saw that I could be an influential positive male Māori figure in the education sector.”
Luther now has a full-time permanent role as a kaiako (teacher). He has also been coaching rugby for many years and hopes to use his teaching qualification to help local tamariki.
“I found the support for distance students at Massey really positive and I also enjoyed the ability to express my own ideas and beliefs in my mahi. I never felt like I was judged when I would incorporate and include my beliefs through my mahi and in my assignments. Instead, I felt like I was challenged to express how I felt."
Luther’s proudest achievement at Massey was developing a deeper sense of identity through mātauranga Māori and Māoritanga.
“Through mahi, Massey challenged me to develop a deeper sense of self identity, often questioning and making me think about who I really am. This had been a space I often neglected and my kaiako often challenged me to engage in Māoritanga and mātauranga Māori, which I believe has led to me developing a deeper sense of self identity.
“It is also a space I am looking to continue to grow in, taking night classes in 2024 and potentially returning to study in 2026 and beyond to grow my own knowledge.”
Luther has some advice for people who are considering studying at Massey.
“Take every opportunity and don’t be scared to ask questions. I was so far out of my comfort zone at the start and I wish I’d asked more questions. Kaiako are there to help and they love to help. Questions = confidence, confidence = better results.”
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