Winniefred (Winnie) Lotulelei Ngata
Year 1 Teacher, Sunnybrae Normal School
Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching, Pacific Specialty)
She loves being a teacher, says Winniefred (Winnie) Lotulelei Ngata who teaches Year 1 at Sunnybrae Normal School.
“There’s something in the eyes of a child when their whole world is in the palm of your hands, and you’re their whole world. I get to experience this every day and, although it can be overwhelming, it is fulfilling.”
Becoming a teacher was a decision she had been considering for years, inspired by being involved in her own children’s education.
“I had followed my children through their education, Playcentre, kindergarten and primary school; volunteering and working alongside them. The stars aligned in 2023, and I made the decision to get that piece of paper. I looked into different universities, but I felt with the path I had chosen, AUT suited me the best. The decision just ‘felt’ right every time AUT came up. There’s a beautiful wairua at AUT!”
The right decision
Winnie certainly didn’t regret her decision to come to AUT and she had plenty of highlights throughout her studies.
“A research opportunity in my first year became a part-time job for me, and I got to travel as part of the research. This opened up a world outside of my education degree and allowed me to utilise my connections in the community. I also loved joining the Japanese club. I knew my future class would have students of all cultures, so I tried to join different groups that reflected those classes. I had the most amazing conversations in this club. I also enjoyed planting the taro patch at AUT – I think I was the only one who got the memo that day! Now the community can enjoy what I helped plant. Networking on my teaching placements was a privilege as well, and tutoring, peer mentoring and making lifelong friends were also highlights for me.
“Volunteering at AUT LIVE may have been the greatest highlight for me. In 2022 I attended AUT LIVE, wanting to discuss my options and what was available to me. Those I talked to helped ease my anxiety toward further study for a mature student changing careers. This helped me make the decision that changed the course of my life. Being able to return a few years later and hopefully do the same for someone else was an honour and came full circle for me. Thank you!”
She says the lecturers and other staff were a highlight of her time at AUT.
“I’m grateful to Dr Carol Neill, Dr John Milne, Martha McFaul, Dr Melanie Drake, Dr Carrie Swanson, Dr Tafili Utumapu-McBride, Dr Yo Heta-Lensen, Dr Pamela Perger, Dr Alastair Wells and Kerry Stroobant from the School of Education, Abel Johnston from Te Ara Poutama, David Fa’e from the Office of Pacific Advancement, my dear friend Dr Hilda Port from psychology and neuroscience who opened up the world of research, and Sio Uhi, the groundsman who allowed me to help him plant the taro patch you all enjoy. All of them, in their own ways, gave me the time of day. In a busy institution, this was refreshing and is the reason attending lectures was fun, informative and well worth my time.”
Advice for other students
Winnie, who graduated from AUT at the end of 2025 and is proud of receiving a TeachNZ scholarship to support her studies – has some great advice for other students.
“Make the most of every opportunity at AUT. Actively seek them out; don’t wait for them to come to you. Stay engaged, be visible and contribute meaningfully. Give your time and energy to support others, that’s where the real learning happens!”
She also has some guidance for those dreaming of a teaching career.
“Return often to the person you dreamed of being – stay passionate, keep the light in your eyes and be guided by a child’s belief in you as a teacher.”
