Wally Penetito
Wally says his life has revolved around his immediate and extended family and the world of education. He recalls very fondly memories of Matamata College, especially those he attended school with and those who were his teachers. (Sadly many won’t be around for the 100th reunion.)
Wally now lives at Raumati Beach, Paraparaumu with his wife of nearly 50 years, Sheena. They have a family of three and currently have eight grandchildren.
The Penetito whanāu connections remain at Raungaiti Marae, Waharoa and on the farm at Hinuera.
At college Wally was a prefect in 1957 and left school that year with an Endorsed School Certificate. On leaving he completed his teacher training at Ardmore Teachers’ College and in 1960 gained his Trained Teachers’ Certificate. He has taught in primary schools in several venues in New Zealand as well as on an exchange to England.
In 1979 Wally studied at Massey University and gained a BA in Education and Sociology. Then in 1983 he won a Commonwealth Relations Trust Fellowship to the University of London. On his return he was employed as Senior Manager in the Department of Education (1984-89), the Education Review Office (1990-94), Ministry of Education (1997) and Wellington College of Education (1994-97).
Wally became Senior Lecturer at the School of Education, Victoria University of Wellington (1998-2006) and in 2007 was awarded a PhD in Education.
He became Adjunct professor, McGill University, Montreal 2007. 2008 Wally was appointed Professor of Māori Education at Victoria University. He has completed research in Māori education (theory, policy and practice), place-based education, indigenous education and teacher education.
(What an interesting and fine career!)
Of course one couldn’t be a “Penetito” without sporting prowess. Wally played 1st XV rugby for the school during his final two years.