From Mama to Ākonga

Shaylee Morton has a big heart, driven by a passion for helping others. After 20 years as a stay-at-home mother of six, Shaylee is turning that passion into a career by studying her Bachelor of Social Services at Otago Polytechnic.   

Shaylee introduces herself with her pepeha:  

“Ko Nui-a-Kiwa te moana 
Ko Kume te maunga 
Ko Waitangi te awa 
Ko Ruakaramea te waka 
Ko Tii Waitangi te marae 
Ko Ngāpuhi, ko Ngāti Kahungunu, ko Ngāi Tahu ōku iwi. 
Ko Shaylee taku ingoa.”  

Since 2020, Shaylee has been hard at work gaining qualifications with an eye towards working with and alongside Māori to support their journeys, using her own experience as a point of connection.  

“Personally, I struggled with my identity and being Māori. This impacted hugely on my self-acceptance, but the staff at Te Punaka Ōwheo (TPŌ) and Foundations lecturer Jade Morgan helped me learn to accept who I am regardless of the colour of my skin. I hope to learn how to support others in learning who they are, too.”    

After completing her Foundations programme, Shaylee earned the New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 4), before enrolling in the Bachelor of Social Services programme.    

“I chose this particular area of study because like most people I have a past, I have made bad decisions and I have experienced the rougher side of life. I want to use my negative life experiences to help and support others.”  

Throughout her studies, Shaylee has turned to TPŌ—the Māori learner support service at Otago Polytechnic—for assistance. TPŌ provides guidance and encouragement, study space, mentorship, kai and cultural connection.  

Giving back to the community is very important to Shaylee. During her Certificate programme, Shaylee was able to intern for TPŌ, and has gone on to become the Māori representative at the Otago Polytechnic Students’ Association (OPSA). She has also been a mentor in TPŌ’s Tuakana/Teina programme, which pairs experienced learners with new ākonga.   

“I would encourage new students to visit TPŌ! The kaiawhina are an amazing group of individuals that are super passionate about supporting ākonga Māori in all areas that need support. Lunch at Poho on Wednesdays is awesome!”  

Though it hasn’t always been easy, each step takes Shaylee closer to her dream of working to facilitate Māori connection to whakapapa, culture and identity.  

“In the health sector and in my courses, I am learning that it is vital to have representation that understands the unique needs of Māori and the systemic generational effects of colonisation in order to support appropriately, potentially change the statistics, and make a difference for our people.” 

Get in touch with Te Punaka Ōwheo! 

If you're a Māori ākonga (learner), the  tīma (team) at TPŌ would love to hear from you. Get in touch to see how they can support your journey today: 

Find out more: https://www.op.ac.nz/explore/student-experiences/maori-culture-support/
Email: tepunakaowheo@op.ac.nz
Phone: 0800 762 786