Āwhina has extensive experience in the education sector, teaching at all levels from primary to tertiary. She has been involved in various Ministry of Education initiatives, including the re-development of Te Marautanga o Aotearoa.
For several years, Āwhina has provided professional development for Māori teachers. She has researched professional development for Māori teachers in secondary schools and has been involved with NCEA since its inception. Āwhina is a panel lead developing achievement standards and support resources based on Te Marautanga o Aotearoa.