Juanita – Leisha Watene set herself a goal to complete her Peer Support Apprenticeship Level 4 in time for graduation day, achieving it through hard work and determination despite taking time off for surgery.
Her success was celebrated recently at the Māori Celebration of Success event at Te Papa o Rotu Marae, Whatawhata, Waikato, hosted by Careerforce.
Employed by Te Hā Oranga o Ngāti Whatua, a Kaupapa Māori based Organisation, which supports the whānau in the rohe of Ngāti Whātua to live healthy, fulfilling lives.
Juanita began her journey three years ago with Te Hā Oranga as a kaimahi with the Covid Response team, kaimanaaki for mobile nurses and then moved over to social services as a Whanau Ora tautoko and then Mental Health and Addictions Kaimanaaki. For the past two years, she has served as a Pou Manaaki, guiding, and supporting tangata whaiora to thrive and achieve their best.
Careerforce, a work-based learning provider, helps upskill learners with NZQA-recognised qualifications, all achieved via fully on-job training.
Apprentice graduate, Juanita – Leisha Watene at the Careerforce Māori Celebration of Success
As a Pou Manaaki, Juanita supports tangata whaiora with low to medium-risk needs, offering advocacy, resources, and a safe, welcoming space. “We always offer manaaki – a glass of water, kai, or a listening ear – because many arrive scared and overwhelmed,” she says. Her role also includes co-facilitating wānanga and providing whānau ora tautoko, helping clients rebuild confidence, find work, and thrive.
“I’m not going to lie – I was scared to step into the role at first because I didn’t want to let anyone down. I was also wary of the unknown because, in the world of mental health and addictions, anything can happen,” says Juanita.
However, with guidance, mentoring, and in-house training, she discovered what she describes as a ‘beautiful industry.’ Now, she has the skills and resources to help people be their best and restore their mana.
“Best of all is seeing our tangata and whānau thrive and reconnect, or even get mahi. It’s amazing to see when they’re full of smiles, and their mental wellbeing has improved so much.”
When Juanita’s management team offered her the opportunity to enrol in the Careerforce Apprenticeship in Peer Support Level 4, she was both excited and nervous. “I thought I’d like to learn because every learning opportunity is valuable,” she shares.
The online, self-directed learning was effective, but as a visual learner, Juanita found the noho marae particularly helpful. These overnight stays at a marae give learners the chance to ask questions, collaborate on unit standards, and deepen their understanding of tikanga and marae protocols.
“The support and interaction from the Careerforce team at the noho was awesome,” says Juanita. “Careerforce’s Rachael Puru, Hineoma Paekau-Rush, Huiao Keogh, and Edna Torea-Allan helped to make a huge difference.”
Juanita is also grateful for her employer’s support. “My team leads tautoko (support) me when they could, marking off observations and attestations.”
Balancing mahi, whānau, and study was challenging, especially when her grandson’s injury temporarily halted her progress. “It affected my mental wellbeing and stopped me from focusing on my studies,” she says. Yet, with determination, she overcame setbacks and completed the programme.
“It’s been a journey of growth, and now I feel like a leader in my own right,” Juanita says.
“Once I got confirmation that I had completed the apprenticeship, I did my usual dance – my dance of joy!”
Juanita encourages others to pursue learning opportunities. “You’re never too old to learn. Never give up, no matter the challenges. We all bring something unique to Peer Support mahi. Who better to support than someone with lived experience?”
With her Level 4 Peer Support qualification complete, Juanita has also finished a Mental Health and Addictions Level 4 qualification and is now pursuing a Diploma in Whānau Ora Level 5.
For more information about Careerforce programmes and support for Māori learners, visit www.careerforce.org.nz. Careerforce employers may also qualify for Apprenticeship Boost funding.