Monika, Manager of Tupu Youth Library in Auckland, discusses her career progression and professional development while on the Whiria te Tāngata programme.
“Volun-told” – a word I use in jest, but in all seriousness, it lovingly expresses the best opportunity I was ever chosen to be a part of… Whiria te Tāngata!
As a new manager at Tupu Youth Library (the best library in the world might I add 😉), the importance of sustainable leadership is something I had only quietly prayed for and is now answered through the learnings of this programme.
- Waharua research helped me recognise what is missing in our space as a leader, particularly the incredible resources we can use to guide our team through Mātauranga Māori.
- Poutama research introduced me to Te Totara, an incredible framework that leaders can use to create visions/goals for their library space and even their organisation.
- Purapura Whetū research introduced me to Data Research and Evidence and the Libraries Applied Impact Framework (LAIF), both verifiable research methods.
- Niho Taniwha which justified one of my main goals in this new role to connect with local board members.
And now bittersweetly, we reach the end of the programme with our Action Led Programme.
EMPOWER
After completing the first four modules, which were all extremely, thought-provokingly delicious, I chose to explore the learnings through Whiria Te Tāngata and new leadership. A very personal project that I know I will learn from but most of all, aim to empower my team through as well with the following:
- Showcasing and implementing Mātauranga Māori resources that are already available to use in our space
- Using Te Totara alongside LAIF to create a Tupu Youth Library vision that definitively interconnects AKLC’s purpose without forgetting the needs of our space and community
- Recognising and connecting with viable entities that empowers our space
The best part about choosing this project was being able to present it in the beautiful Piritahi marae in Waiheke, during our last Whiria te Tāngata hui. Although overwhelmed by nerves, the support of the amazing wāhine present solidified the importance of being around like-minded people who also want to create positive change – which from the beginning of this programme, is something our amazing leaders empowered us to do.
VALUE
In the words of the lovely Desiree Morunga “If you’re not going to inspire me, don’t waste my time!”.
Being in a room full of inspiring wāhine from around the motu, whilst learning everything in this programme made this experience that much more valuable. It is also not lost on me that I am one of the only three non-Māori in this year’s cohort, which in no way exempts me from doing my bit for my place of work. As the saying goes, leadership starts from the top and with the recent and sudden passing of Efeso Collins, a monumental figure in South Auckland and Aotearoa, I saw how another non-Māori served their community while constantly recognising Te Tiriti and promoting Mātauranga Māori, a trait that I hope and want to do for the value of my community as well.
To our amazing leaders and the wonderful cohort, thank you for inspiring me, thank you for this amazing experience, thank you for your constant tautoko and most importantly, thank you for your valuable knowledge!