Triplets Eru, Heemi and Tipene Kapa-Kingi (Te Aupōuri, Ngāpuhi, Waikato-Tainui and Te Whānau-ā-Apanui) came to Victoria University to develop skills that they could take back to their community in Northland.

Triplets Eru, Heemi and Tipene Kapa-Kingi (Te Aupōuri, Ngāpuhi, Waikato-Tainui and Te Whānau-ā-Apanui) came to Victoria University to develop skills that they could take back to their community in Northland.

The brothers say that education and improving their lives has been a focus for their whole family from an early age.

"Our whānau has raised us to dream big, think big, and chase our dreams no matter what," Eru says.

The three brothers started their education in the kura kaupapa system. It was during high school that they made a pact to bring the skills and knowledge they would gain at university back to Whangarei, to help others from their home town. Eru decided to study Law, Heemi enrolled in Psychology and Tipene chose to study Commerce.

"Whangarei has a lot of potential, but in terms of its social development, it’s underdeveloped,” Eru says.

"After graduating from Victoria, we’d like to go home and form a philanthropic organisation, combining all the knowledge that we’ve gained, to better our community, better our people and build a better future."

The Kapa-Kingi's are strongly connected to the Māori community at Victoria, finding a home away from home in Wellington.

"One of Victoria’s strengths is Te Herenga Waka Marae. It acts as a tūrangawaewae for all Māori students. It’s not specific to any iwi or region. It welcomes anyone that comes away from their home and makes them feel as if they are at home,” Eru says.

The triplets say they would like to provide an example for other Maori students to follow.

"We would definitely encourage Māori students to come to Victoria. Not only are the support systems really helpful, but living in Wellington will liberate their minds, show them the potential of education and help them realise their own potential," says Tipene.

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