Elly Hukui

Year 5 & 6 Teacher, Roscommon School
Bachelor of Education (Primary Pasifika Teaching)

For Elly Hukui, going back to study was a big step forward, and she loved the opportunity to fulfill her long-held dream of becoming a primary teacher.

“In 2019, I experienced a life-changing shift in my life, and was left with the opportunity to grow upwards, and look to study to make a career and support myself financially. Becoming a teacher was something I had considered 20 years earlier but didn’t pursue. With roots that take me back to where my grandmother was a teacher on my beautiful Island of Niue, I decided to join the ranks of many members of my family who continue to work in education here in Aotearoa. I had loved my childhood experience growing up in the 1980s in Ōtara, where my primary school experience was filled with happy days and wonderful teachers. And so now, when I had the chance to study, I thought, why not? I knew responsibility for my future was in my hands, so I just dived in and applied. As soon as I pressed the submit button, I felt thrilled. This was actually happening.

“I chose AUT because the family feel appealed to me – it was a smaller, more intimate setting than the larger-than-life experience I had at university many years earlier. There were so many pros about coming to AUT, particularly the South Campus, as I had grown up in South Auckland and felt at home straight away. Right from the get-go, the communication from AUT was excellent. We had an online interview, which was a great experience because it was my first taste of how approachable the teaching staff were.”

It's a decision she certainly hasn’t regretted and she thoroughly enjoyed studying the Bachelor of Education (Primary Pasifika Teaching).

“I had so many highlights at AUT, but my first would have to be the lovely people and strong friendships I was able to form there. AUT is such a wonderful place where so many of us are in different stages of our lives, yet we come to this one central place that will hopefully guide us to pivot where we need to be. The classes were pretty awesome. AUT offered so many learning opportunities in every course to help me towards my goal of becoming a primary school teacher. I just loved the learning! Having one practicum for each semester provided heaps of exposure for us to put our class learning into action. I was really grateful for Dr John Milne who was pivotal in providing ongoing support and knowhow for us in being prepared, feeling capable and finding success.

“The pool of amazing lecturers was a real highlight for me. Their collective knowledge and experience impressed me right from the start, and the passion and depth of their teaching was so authentic, fresh and relevant, which helped to deepen my love for teaching even more. One of my favourite lecturers was Dr Tafili Utumapu-McBride, who in her own unique way brought to life the importance of our Pacific identity and the value of what this means for our Pacific children. Her beautiful example of culturally responsive teaching has made an impact on me, in understanding that the uniqueness of our Pacific ways should always have a special place in our delivery and pedagogy as teachers.”

A privilege to teach
After graduating from AUT at the end of 2023, Elly now loves teaching at Roscommon School in Clendon.

“It’s an amazing school. I just love the inclusive and inviting feel it has; it’s so similar to my own primary school experience. My class is filled with a landscape of diverse learners who come from different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. It’s been such an ongoing learning experience, and every day I’m learning something new not only from the children, but also from the outstanding team of teachers I work alongside, the evolving curriculum and the way things operate at school. Honestly, there’s never a dull moment.”

She says her time at AUT prepared her well for her teaching career now.

“I know that the foundation I received at AUT for my teaching experience really set me up on a great footing. One of the most valuable lessons I learned during my studies at AUT is that the role of an effective teacher should never be underestimated. Teaching requires a deep sense of purpose, intention and conviction; all of which must be grounded in what is best for the children we are privileged to teach. I’ve come to understand that the way we plan, teach and build relationships can have a lasting impact on our students’ confidence, learning and wellbeing throughout their lives.

“Through my early teaching experiences, I’ve learnt that the teaching landscape is both demanding and constantly changing. There have been times that have challenged me and pushed me beyond my comfort zone, but I know that this is part of my journey of becoming an effective teacher. AUT has really laid a strong foundation in helping me to develop the necessary knowledge, skills and values to give me the confidence to adapt, persevere and continue growing as a teacher.”

Advice for future AUT students is:
Elly has some great advice for other students who are thinking about their own university journey.

“Just go for it! Don’t hesitate. If you think you can’t do it, just know that everyone has self-doubt and wonders what’s next.”

Seize the moment, she adds.

“If things don’t work out, you always have the option of trying something else. Don’t box yourself in, give yourself a break and allow yourself to fall and then get back up.”