Born and raised right here in the Bay, Awhimate is eager to serve her community through her mahi.
In her last year of school, Awhimate was at a crossroads. She thought about studying graphic design, then business studies, before realising that neither of those were really her cup of tea!
While flicking through the University of Waikato prospectus, she stumbled on a Bachelor of Communications – the perfect medium – and never looked back. Awhimate spent the next three years living and studying in Kirikiriroa, double majoring in Public Relations and Creative Media to tailor her degree to her interests.
After completing her studies, Awhimate returned home to Rotorua, where she was fortunate to begin her career working at a local high school, before joining us at Shine in mid 2025.
In her own time you’ll find Awhimate spending time with her whānau, fan girling over her favourite shows, or discovering yet another corner of her cosy flat to decorate.