Posted on 6 November 2026
Our LearnersCompleting a Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) with Open Polytechnic made Te Atahikoia Mohi (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri) want to change careers and get into counselling, with the goal of becoming a clinical psychologist.
“I’ve always been in administration, but now I’m looking towards the mental health sector, which I’m quite passionate about so it’s opened up a brand new lot of opportunities for me,” Te Atahikoia says.
“Studying psychology made me realise that I want to become a counsellor specifically in the addictions space.”
“There is a huge demand for Māori counsellors and psychologists.”
Te Atahikoia has always been interested in human behaviour, how or why we think, behave and act.
“I also understand that mental health is super important for all people and especially in Te Ao Māori,” she says.
“Growing up I saw the need for mental health support.”
Photo: Te Atahikoia and daughter Adelyn Mohi at the Wellington graduation ceremony earlier this year.
The flexibility of learning with Open Polytechnic enabled Te Atahikoia to complete her studies while working full-time and raising her two daughters.
Studying from home with Open Polytechnic made the adjustment easier for Te Atahikoia to get back into learning, two decades after leaving school.
Growing up, she went to a full immersion Māori school, along with a bilingual Māori and English-speaking high school.
Te Atahikoia left high school early for personal reasons.
“Being able to study with the flexibility Open Polytechnic offers has been amazing for me,” she explains.
“It was really nice to see Māori worldviews at the forefront of many of the courses I took.”
“It made me feel included and like I/we do matter.”
Te Atahikoia also made use of the resources available at Open Polytechnic to help with her studies.
At one stage she utilised the counselling services to help her balance her course load with being a working single mother of two.
“It was so helpful talking to one of the counsellors, she really put me at ease and was very supportive,” Te Atahikoia says.
“I would definitely recommend reaching out to that service if you are struggling with something.”
She also found the library “so good” for helping her get access to academic articles on anything she wanted to learn about.
While course leaders were always just an email or message away when Te Atahikoia needed to clarify anything.
Te Atahikoia enjoyed most courses she took as part of the Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) degree.
She found human development, brain and behaviour, hauora hinengaro, adult psychopathology and many other topics interesting.
“They have given me insight into not only myself but also people in general, and all the components that make us who we are and play a part in our choices, behaviour and thoughts,” Te Atahikoia says.
We caught up with an excited Te Atahikoia at the Wellington graduation ceremony in May.
“It feels almost surreal to graduate,” she says.
“The degree I’ve completed has been highly beneficial for myself in my personal and professional life.”
“I can say I’m truly proud of myself.”
Te Atahikoia would encourage other people to study with Open Polytechnic, as it celebrates its 80th anniversary of providing flexible and career-focused learning wherever ākonga (learners) are based.
“I say go for it,” Te Atahikoia exclaims.
“I highly recommend studying at Open Polytechnic, especially for those that need flexibility.”
“I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to study at Open Polytechnic and I wish very much it continues to thrive.”