Meet our Team: Shakaliah Bishell
Ko Taranaki Te Maunga
Ko Waitara rāua ko Waitoetoe ōku awa
Ko Tokomaru te waka
Ko Te Atiawa rāua ko Ngāti Mutunga ōku iwi
Ko Ngāti Rahiri rāua ko Te Kekerewai ōku hapū
Ko Owae rāua ko Urenui pā ōku Marae
Ko Shakaliah Bishell tōku Ingoa
Ko wai au? I’m Shakaliah and I was born and raised in Waitara. I attended Waitara Central School, Manukorihi Intermediate and Waitara High School.
Throughout my years of high school I was supported by Why Ora, attending mātaki shadowing programmes as well as Rapuara Hauora workshops. This was such an inspriring time in my life as it ignited an interest in potentially taking up a career in health. Why Ora supported me ensuring that I was taking the right subjects, as well introducing me to like-minded Taiohi Māori.
At the end of high school I decided not to take up a health Carrer instead continuing my studies in Taranaki to be close to whānau, later taking up studies at Learner Me within the tech industry, gaining a Diploma in Web Design and Development.
In my later years of high school I started to conntect with my Māoritanga, being able to take Te Ao Māori as a club elective ignited my desire to learn about my whakapapa and start learning Te Reo Māori. I am still continuing on my haerenga through studies at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. To strengthen my learning I try to immerse myself in kaupapa Māori, by attending wānanga and being part of the Taranaki Iwi kapa haka rōpu for Taranaki Tu Mai.
Along with Te Ao Māori, Whānau is a big part of my life especially being the mātāmua to two younger siblings. Me and my brother attended school together and although it suited me and the way I learn, I started to realise how school was not suited to everyone, especially my brother who was more of a practical learner. This is when I realised that everybody has potential, it’s just a matter of finding the right support to enable us to utilise it.
This is where I am super grateful to have a role at Why Ora as it is a kaupapa Māori that aligns with my values. It also provides the opportunity for me to make meaningful connections with my community.
