For Tokoroa locals, Cara Ryan and Raiven Trainor, a journey into Te reo Māori began several years ago, when both enrolled in the University of Waikato’s one-year Māori language programme, Te Tohu Paetahi. It proved a transformative experience that would shape their futures and forge a special friendship.
Both women are now in their final year of Bachelors’ degrees in Māori and Indigenous Studies at the University of Waikato, receiving SWIFT scholarships in late 2024 to help them towards the finish line.
Cara says; “I didn’t feel complete when Te Tohu Paetahi was over - I was still hungry for more.” The programme also lit a fire within Raiven, who says “That first year was a period of discovery – a deep dive into my whakapapa and tuariki (identity). But it was just the start of what would be a lifelong journey.”
Throughout Te Tohu Paetahi the pair travelled to Hamilton together for class, along with two others, practicing their reo and debriefing at the end of each day. The experience stirred something profound in each of them, and before the year was over, both were determined to level up and continue their learning.
Unsurprisingly, the road to a three-year degree after has come with challenges for both Cara and Raiven, who have juggled their studies with a host of other whānau commitments and a patchwork of paid work to keep their aspirations alive. The cost of petrol alone, with both women commuting between Tokoroa and Hamilton for several years, was huge.
Raiven has been working in Early Childhood Education (ECE) throughout her studies and plans to complete a Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching next year. She’s passionate about passing on what she has learned and playing her part in revitalising te reo Māori in classrooms close to home.
Cara has similar aspirations; “It’s all about giving back and carrying forward the richness and depth of both language and te ao Māori” she shares. Her commitment has proved contagious – four of her siblings have followed her lead and embarked on their own Te reo journeys at the University of Waikato. “All of my whānau are now in the waka. We are all reconnecting and revitalising te reo Māori in our homes, and our whānau, for future generations.” Cara says with pride.
Both Cara and Raiven remain deeply connected to Tokoroa and attend weekly lessons at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa where they are working towards their Level 7 Diploma in addition to their university studies.
Chief Executive of SWIFT, Clive Somerville is proud to back education and skills in the South Waikato; “The evidence is clear that scholarships open up pathways, and deliver strong returns for individuals, families, and our community. Cara and Raiven’s stories show exactly why we invest in learning: it builds capability, creates opportunity, and strengthens the South Waikato.”
Cara says; “On a personal level, my learning journey has blessed me deeply and there’s a real sense of healing and coming home to self. The scholarship from SWIFT couldn’t have come at a better time - it eased some of the financial pressure so I can more fully dedicate myself to my studies now I’m getting close to the finish line.
Raiven – a mum of three - was similarly grateful for the funding during the final year of her Bachelors degree, acknowledging that four years is a long time to be spinning so many plates and leaning on whanau for support.
Both Cara and Raiven’s journeys reflect the very heart of the SWIFT Scholarship Scheme - to create pathways into education that empower people of all ages and backgrounds, and ultimately strengthen South Waikato through knowledge, skills, and leadership.
Now, it’s time for the next group of future changemakers to step forward.
Applications for the 2025 SWIFT Scholarship Scheme open on 1 September. Each recipient can receive up to $5,000 per year of study, with SWIFT investing a total of $50,000 annually to support local learners.
Whether you are fresh out of school, changing careers, or returning to studies later in life, the scholarship welcomes you. Every journey is different, and every recipient, like Cara and Raiven, adds to the fabric of South Waikato’s story.
For more details and to apply, visit the SWIFT website at www.swift.org.nz/scholarship/
