Associate Professor Dion Enari
Te Whatu Kairangi Award | Le Moana Mua
Another Pacific person graduating is another victory for our people
Associate Professor Dion Enari | Ngā Wai a Te Tūī (Māori and Indigenous Research Centre) and School of Healthcare and Social Practice, Unitec
Dr Enari symbolises what it is to be a Kiwi with Pasifika DNA. As an educator he illustrates the number 8 wired mentality into his teaching, where he searches for continual customisation to his class so that his learners with diverse needs participate and engage to the end.
His teaching philosophy is holistic to a point where the community is part of the curriculum and students can be themselves in developing the level of confidence they need to succeed. He has redesigned every course he has taught to include Indigenous models and perspectives.
Our principles of phenomenal education comes naturally to Dr Enari, he has modelled this not just in New Zealand, but also Australia and America. One student states, “Not only does sir know me, he knows where I’m trying to go, he has a heart for my life not just teaching me cause it’s a job.”
His impact is being felt in the communities where students have gained meaningful employment opportunities as well as pay, and to his own words “I will continue to do this till I die. As another Pacific person graduating, is another victory for our people”.
Malaga malosi Dion.