Pearl Runga's teaching career

Original article from Kokiri Paetae: A celebration of maori achievement

Issue 31 February 2001

This article was originally published by the Ministry of Maori Development, and can be found at their website,  www.tpk.govt.nz  , in the Publications section. Copyright remains with the Ministry of Maori development.

"Runga sister takes to the blackboard"

"Having two New Zealand pop icons as sisters and a promising musical future of her own couldn't deter University of Auckland graduate Pearl Runga from her first love- teaching.

Pearl is sister of prominent New Zealand singers Bic Runga and Boh Runga, and is an accomplished musician and singer herself.

Before a short stint in the entertainment industry, Pearl turned from the concert stage to the classroom, enrolling in the graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary) through the University of Auckland.

"I worked as a musician in Auckland for a year, and played with Bic on one of her New Zealand tours.

But I see music as a hobby and decided that what I really wanted to do was teach", says Pearl, of Ngati Kahungunu descent.

"I love learning and place a high value on education. Primary teaching is a great way to make a difference in children's lives and instil a love of learning in them."

Having already completed a Bachelor and Diploma of Science, Pearl began a postgraduate teaching qualification at the University of Auckland.

"I chose the University of Auckland diploma because it is a one year course, enabling me to have my qualification and be teaching sooner than teachers from other courses " she explains.

Pearl says the best thing about the diploma was it's heavy practical content.

"Three out of five days were spent working and learning in school classrooms around Auckland. This practical teaching experience, working in classrooms and learning from practising teachers, was invaluable" she says.

"The diploma gave me practical instruction on how to teach, as well as the practical theory behind teaching."

"It taught me that an effective teacher will continually evaluate their practices and make necessary changes to do what is best for their students," says Pearl.

After completing the diploma, Pearl took up a full time position at Bayfield Primary school in Herne Bay, Auckland, where she teaches Year 2 & 3 children.

Combining her love of music with her passion for teaching, Pearl is also teaching music to junior school classes at Bayfield for two terms per year".

Article extract from Kokiri Paetae: A celebration of Maori achievement Issue 31 February 2001