3 July 2024

Nyria Ratana-McBride 

Te Rarawa, Te Aupōuri,  Ngāti Kurī 

Bachelor of Science, Heke Puna Maumahara (Diploma in Information Studies) 

Nyria Ratana-McBride has recently taken on a librarian position at the Whare Pukapuka, a role which aligns with her lifelong passion for libraries and research. 

Nyria grew up in Onehunga, Tāmaki Makaurau, under the care of her hardworking maternal grandparents. Her grandfather, a skilled carpenter, built their home, while her nana, a speech therapist, worked with clients from their home. Her paternal grandparents lived in Mount Roskill. Her grandfather was a painter, and her nana was busy raising mokopuna. Nyria has been married for three years to her husband, a tech enthusiast who enjoys fishing. Together, they have a blended whānau with three children, all young adults who keep them busy and their cupboards empty. Her older brother lives in Paeroa with his wife and daughters, and her mother lives in Levin. 

Nyria acknowledges mastering te reo Māori is a lifelong journey 

Nyria is currently focused on learning te reo Māori, a lifelong journey, one her whānau supports wholeheartedly. Her education took her from South Auckland, primarily Manurewa, to Paeroa for a brief period. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Waikato University and worked at Wellington Pathology, the last of the private medical laboratories, before having her children. Her love for research and libraries was nurtured by her granddad, who frequently took her to libraries. She has fond memories of visiting the Onehunga Library. 

When her son was born, Nyria decided to pursue a career in libraries. She graduated in 2022 with a Heke Puna Maumahara, a qualification with a strong library focus. Nyria recently read Hikoi by Aroha Harris, and The Ani Waaka Room by Debbie Broughton, and recommends them to others. She is part of a supportive group of Māori women writers who edit and discuss each other’s work, spanning various genres. Nyria has written thrillers, poetry, short stories, and articles, and is always contemplating new directions. 

Nyria’s dedication to learning, her desire to learn te reo Māori and her love for libraries make her a valuable addition to the team, and her story is an inspiration to all who value education and te ao Māori. 

Poipoia te kakano, kia puawai 

Nurture the seed and it will blossom 

If you would like to know about any of the programmes offered by Te Wānanga o Raukawa, go to https://www.wananga.com/nga-akoranga