Sione Hopoate
Social Services Practitioner/Counsellor, Te Tai-awa O Te Ora
Bachelor of Health Science in Counselling
AUT gave him the opportunity to turn his passion for serving others into a profession with purpose, says Sione Hopoate who studied a Bachelor of Health Science in Counselling.
“My own lived experience of childhood trauma and addiction showed me how difficult it can be, especially as a Pacific person, to talk openly about pain and seek help. I wanted to become someone who could walk alongside others in their healing journey and role model that it's okay to ask for help. I chose the Bachelor of Health Science in Counselling at AUT because I wanted to go deeper than surface-level help. Before studying, I worked in public service, and although I enjoyed helping people, it often felt like putting bandages on wounds that needed stitches.
“One of the biggest highlights of my time at AUT was the personal transformation I experienced. I didn't just get a degree; I found my voice and discovered my purpose. As a husband and father of four, balancing family life, work and study was challenging, and there were times I never imagined I would earn a university degree. AUT helped me believe it was possible. With the services and support available, I realised that anyone can achieve their goals if they’re willing to accept help and stay committed. Completing my degree also represents breaking a cycle within my family. I hope my children will grow up seeing tertiary education as something that is achievable and part of our family's future.”
He says he particularly appreciated the clinical placements in his degree as they gave him the opportunity to practise in real-world counselling settings while receiving professional support and supervision from experienced frontline practitioners.
“The placements enabled me to apply what I had learnt in real-life counselling settings, showing me the impact that being fully present for someone can have. These experiences helped bridge the gap between theory and practice, built my confidence, strengthened my clinical skills, and prepared me well for working on the frontline with real clients. As a Pacific student, finding my voice also meant being able to role model that it's okay to seek help, have difficult conversations and encourage others to do the same.”
Supported to thrive
Throughout his time at AUT the AUT staff and support services have been incredibly helpful, says Sione who completed his Bachelor of Health Science in Counselling in 2022 and continues to study courses on addictions to help him support his clients and community.
“From the AUTSA staff to the librarians, tutor groups and tech support, it genuinely feels like they want every student to succeed. Dr Maria Haenga-Collins and Francie van Hout were particularly inspiring. They challenged me, encouraged me, helped me understand the profession more deeply and believed in my ability to succeed. It was a truly mana-enhancing experience that has stayed with me.”
He has some great advice for other students who are only at the start of their own university journey.
“AUT provides a genuinely supportive and positive learning environment where people want you to succeed. My advice is to lean into the support that is available, stay curious and believe in yourself. The journey can open doors to a more meaningful future while helping you grow into a more confident version of yourself.”
In the service of others
Now working as a social services practitioner and counsellor for Te Tai-awa O Te Ora, Sione loves being able to make a positive impact on the Ōtara community.
“I currently provide counselling across nine schools in Ōtara, the community where I grew up. I also work with rangatahi, adults, seniors and couples. I also bring experience in addictions, group facilitation, comprehensive assessments and treatment planning to my role, enabling me to combine professional practice with a strong understanding of the community I serve.
“What I enjoy most about my work is being able to give back to my community and see people feel safe enough to share their stories. I strongly believe that helping one person can strengthen a family and helping a family can strengthen a community.”
He says he has been surprised how much studying counselling has transformed him personally.
“I didn't anticipate how meaningful this work would become or how much purpose it would give my life. Today, it’s a privilege to be in the service of others, and that deep sense of purpose is something AUT helped me discover.”
