Erina Ata

Social Work, it seems, has been a major part of my life for as long as I can remember, especially with regard to having an interest in the welfare of children and young people. Starting my career in statutory social work was the stepping-stone, with opportunities to progress to supervisory and management roles. Education within the field was a natural progression, and I have been fortunate to have worked in several tertiary institutes.

Apart from work, I enjoy reading, watching movies, being out in the bush, by the ocean, in general, within, and around nature. 

Awards and achievements

I am most fortunate to be the mother of three wonderful sons, grandmother, or nan to many grandchildren and a great grandmother to six tuarua (great-grandchildren) with two more on the way.

• Diploma in Social Work, Victoria University 
• Bachelors in Applied Social Work, MIT  
• Masters of Indigenous Studies, Otago University 

I love being with the students in class and working alongside other kaiako.