Ngaire Tihema

Ngaire’s postgraduate qualifications in applied linguistics led the way to her VSA volunteer assignments as a teacher training advisor, both in-country and as an e-volunteer. So, when an opportunity arose in the VSA Papua New Guinea (PNG) Programme, Ngaire applied for the Advisor role because she recognised that with her skills, knowledge, and experience, coupled with her familiarity with living and working in rural East New Britain, she may be uniquely positioned into making a significant contribution to the Programme.

Outside of academia, and with her Master's in Māori and Pacific Development, Ngaire’s approach to international development comes from an indigenous lens that is also influenced by much of her time living outside of Aotearoa – over half her life. Her passion for he tangata / the people is the driving force for her teaching in Australia and Asia, her research and teaching in Aotearoa, and her volunteer work in Tai Tokerau and the Pacific.

Ngaire says: 'I've seen for myself the power of individuals doing what is best for their communities, both in Aotearoa and the Pacific. That power is both immense and underrated. I've spent much of my life volunteering in some way. Not thinking about "what can I get out of this?" but "how will this be of benefit to others?" Working with like-minded partner organisations, many of whom do their best with very little to no funds, tells me that I’m in the right place, as we’re all working towards the same goals. With this in mind, the following whakataukī/proverb is appropriate:

He aha te mea nui o te ao? / What is the greatest thing in the world?

He tangata, he tangata, he tangata / It is people, it is people, it is people.'