Māori ākonga (learners) about to start their journey at Unitec were impressed at the number of spaces and support available to them during their induction at the Unitec Māori orientation held at Te Noho Kotahitanga Marae on Wednesday, 12 February.
Caleb Forward is happy to be starting Semester One after moving up to Auckland from Napier. The 21 year-old aspiring actor, who successfully auditioned for our acting programme at the end of last year, welcomes the whanau environment that we offer.
“It’s great to know I have so much support around me and it was awesome meeting the staff who work closely with Māori learners,” he says.
The orientation day began with introductions to the Marae team led by Taharangi (Director – Māori Success) Vivienne Merito. Our new ākonga were then led outside to enjoy the beautiful weather while participating in a series of ice-breaking activities in front of Ngākau Māhaki (wharenui).
Following a hearty lunch in Manaaki (wharekai), the group were taken on a hikoi around Te Puna (main student hub) to familiarise them with the key touchpoints in their student experience such as the library, student support services and the MAIA learning centre where Unitec’s Māori learning advisors are located.
Māori learners were encouraged to reach out to kaimahi and student services teams to develop their cultural capability to incorporate indigenous knowledge into their learning and student life.