MIT 2025: The Journey Comes to a Close...

Kia ora! Today marks our final hui at KPMG for the 2025 Manaiakalani Innovative Teacher cohort, and I’m feeling a mix of gratitude, deep appreciation for every kindness and support shown along the way, and quiet pride. It’s surreal to think we’re standing at the end of this chapter. It feels like we only began last week, yet our journey truly started back in 2024 with nothing more than an idea sketched on paper—an idea we shared with Matt and Dorothy, followed by an interview that nudged it into motion.

I applied with a simple hope - to make life a little easier for kaiako in kura Māori who work tirelessly to craft meaningful literacy experiences for our ākonga. What unfolded became so much more than a project. It was a year of deep learning, stretched thinking, courageous conversations, new friendships, and a growing circle of people who reminded me why this mahi matters.

To Matt, Dorothy, Jenny, and Justine Todd (from KPMG) - if you ever come across my blog, please know how grateful I am. Your encouragement, your belief, and your willingness to walk me through the MIT process (and nudge me in the right direction when needed) have shaped this experience in ways I’m still processing. You have each helped make the MIT journey something truly special. Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou.

To the rest of my 2025 MIT peers—what a privilege it has been to walk alongside you this year. Each of you carries something truly special, and you’ve brought so much insight, experience, and passion to our collective journey. I’ve loved getting to know you all and witnessing your projects grow from seed to fruition. I wish you all the best for 2026!

Please click on the links in the image below to follow my journey and to explore more about the MIT process and how it unfolds. I’ve included the most meaningful moments from this year—milestones that challenged, inspired, and strengthened me. I hope they offer a spark of inspiration for you too, wherever you are in your own journey.