The achievement caps off a significant year for Shaun Tahau.
In August he was appointed to a new role, Tumuaki Whakawhanake/director Maori capability at the polytechnic.
Earlier this month he completed his master of professional practice (MPP), and will graduate in March with distinction.
He started the journey towards his degree in 2018 when, as kaiarahi for the Office of the Kaitohutohu at the polytechnic, he began the development of te rautaki reo Maori (Otago Polytechnic’s Maori language strategy).
"This was an opportunity for me to develop my understanding in a strategic space, but to also share my passion and lifelong matauranga [knowledge] pertaining to te reo Maori me ona tikanga [the Maori language and customs]," he said.
As he researched and developed te rautaki reo Maori, he realised there were no examples of this being done in the tertiary sector.
He saw the opportunity to enrol in the MPP, with a focus on organisational leadership and change and using his experience in developing the Maori language strategy.
He decided that if he was going to focus on the strategy, it would only make sense to do it all in te reo.
"The journey has been a great learning opportunity for me, understanding what Maori learners can face if they request to submit their assessments in te reo Maori," he said.
"Te reo Maori is an official language of Aotearoa New Zealand, and has been since 1987. As an organisation, we should support staff and learners to continue the appropriate use of te reo Maori in all domains."
