Who is Te Hīkoi?
Te Hīkoi is the abbreviated version of Ko te hīkoi, mā ngā ākonga. This statement conveys our kaupapa ‘the walk is for learners’ and has been interpreted for us as ‘a journey into the future with and for our learners’.
Te Hīkoi is managed by Aorere College for learners in Manukau, Auckland South, and South Auckland.
Te Hīkoi is a learning hub that encompasses , both Alternative Education and the Activity Centre. A provision is made for Year 9 and 10 learners with a high emphasis on Literacy & Numeracy, Aotearoa New Zealand Histories, P.E/ Health, Māori Performing Arts (Te Ao Haka) /Arts and Careers.
We provide education and pastoral support for learners who are at risk of, or who have, disengaged from mainstream schooling. We aim to re-engage learners in a meaningful learning programme targeted to their individual needs and support them to transition back to mainstream school, further education, training or employment.
Te Hīkoi kaupapa (responsibilities)
- Enrolling learners
- Providing professional support to providers and learners
- Monitoring the quality of the programmes delivered
- Reporting to the Ministry of Education and School Principals.
Moana Taane
Coordinator
I’ve been working in alternative education since 2000, and since 2007, I’ve had the absolute privilege of leading Te Hikoi (which some of you might remember as AIMHI alternative education).
South Auckland is where my roots are. I grew up and went to school here, and I’ve always felt a deep calling to give back to our community. When I’m not at work, my world revolves around family—I have five kids aged 23 to 30, and five beautiful mokopuna whom I completely adore.
It’s truly humbling to continue serving our community and supporting our at-risk rangatahi. In a place as beautifully diverse as ours, I know that every single bit of effort counts.
Marisa Collis
Administrator
Hi everyone! I’m the Receptionist and Administrator here at Te Hīkoi. I’ve been part of the team for the past eight years—back when we were known as AIMHI AE—and I absolutely love what I do.
Every day, I get to work alongside an incredible group of people to support our rangatahi as they find their way back into education and pick up awesome new skills.
Working with young people who have disengaged from school definitely keeps me on my toes! It comes with its challenges, but honestly, seeing them grow makes it some of the most rewarding work there is.
Terouru Huri
Teacher & Year 10 Dean
At Te Hīkoi, I serve as both a kaiako and Year 10 Dean, working to remove barriers that prevent rangatahi from engaging in learning.
My approach prioritises strong relationships, cultural responsiveness, restorative practices and targeted support in literacy and social sciences to help students experience success.
I aim to empower learners to realise their potential, grow in confidence, and take positive steps toward their future, working alongside whānau, colleagues, and community to support successful pathways.
Wasuge Krishnasamy
Teacher
Te Hikoi kaiako
Hemoata Milne
Teacher & Year 11 Dean
I’m a kaiako and the Year 11 Dean here at Te Hīkoi, and my absolute passion is helping rangatahi reconnect with learning and realize just how successful they can be.
In my classroom, we focus a lot on boosting literacy and numeracy, but just as importantly, we focus on culture and connection. I strive to create a warm, relationship-first space where every student feels truly valued, supported, and capable. For me, it’s all about building up their confidence and helping them map out exciting pathways for their future.
It truly takes a village, so working hand-in-hand with whānau, our awesome staff, and the wider community is everything when it comes to supporting our learners holistically—both inside and outside the classroom.
Debra Pene
Teacher & Career Advisor
I’m the Careers Advisor and Transition Co-ordinator here at Te Hīkoi. I feel a really deep connection to our students and the awesome community we work in—it’s what drives me every single day.
My main role is helping our rangatahi figure out their next big steps. When they’re ready, I support them to transition back into mainstream secondary schools, get them prepped and ready for the workforce, or help them enrol in further studies.
I also team up with our tutors to run our junior and senior Career Development programs. On top of that, our senior students get a fantastic opportunity to attend a Trades Academy two days a week to get a hands-on taster of different trades!
Japeth Vaoa
Youth Worker & Teacher Aide
Te Hikoi Youth Worker & Teacher Aide
Jack Toese
Youth Worker & Teacher Aide
Te Hikoi Youth Worker & Teacher Aide
Uikilifi Faaoso
Youth Worker & Teacher Aide
Te Hikoi Youth Worker & Teacher Aide