Keri-lee is a woman of many talents. She created this Tukutuku panel for the Kia Tū classroom at SIT. This Tukutuku is named Te Ara Tipu which means the Pathway to Growth. The centre depicts the pathway and is surrounded by aroha for growth. It also shows that sometimes we may have blocks and need to work our way through it, but in the end we can get there. The bottom and top of the pathway are left open to show that the pathway can keep going and it never stops. Each side of the Tukutuku depicts a feminine and masculine side.Enrolling in the Kia Tū Pathway Planning Programme is life-changing. We understand that it takes courage to take the first step.
What makes Kia Tū life-changing is not just the course content – but our staff. We are very fortunate to have the passionate and very talented Keri-lee Kairau teaching you at the SIT Invercargill Campus.
Hear from Keri-lee below:
About me
I was born in Ōamaru, where many generations of my whānau are from. When I was six, my family moved to Waihopai. I am married with an adult daughter and a teenage son. In my spare time, I enjoy raranga, walking my dog, and travelling with my whānau.
How long have you been in the Kia Tū Kaiako role at SIT?
I have been in the Kia Tū Kaiako role since 2024.
What is your favourite part of the job?
I have a strong passion for education, mentoring, and supporting ākonga to develop a confident sense of identity. My favourite part of the role is seeing ākonga graduate with confidence and a deeper understanding of their pathway plans. I especially enjoy hearing about past ākonga and celebrating their successes, whether that’s gaining employment, being accepted into further study, or graduating from another course.
What did you do before Kia Tū?
Before joining Kia Tū, I worked as a hairdresser for 30 years. I was also a part-time hairdressing tutor at SIT for 15 years. During this time, I managed a salon and trained apprentices, supporting them through their learning and development within the industry.
What is your favourite quote or whakataukī?
I actually have one of each:
- “You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” – Martin Luther King Jr
- Ehara tāku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini
My success is not mine alone, but the strength of many.
What advice would you give someone thinking about doing Kia Tū?
Kia Tū is beneficial for everyone. Even as a Kaiako, I have learned a great deal about my own identity. You receive a lot of support, and the course opens many doors by increasing confidence, self-awareness, and clarity around future pathways. You quickly become part of a whānau, and by simply turning up on time each day with a positive attitude, you will leave feeling stronger and more empowered.
Hāngī or boil-up?
Definitely hāngī!
Cats or dogs?
Dogs. I’ve owned four dogs over the years and am currently on my third Boxer, Franco.
If you had 25 hours in a day, what would you do with the extra hour?
Work on tukutuku or listen to a true crime podcast.
What five items would you take to a deserted island?
My phone, chocolate, a hairbrush, harakeke, and a pair of scissors.
If you could hire one famous person to be your assistant, who would it be?
Jacinda Ardern — for her wisdom and empathy.