Making our new cohort of learners feel supported, welcome and comfortable in their culture, were the key messages at Semester Two Orientation events held on Wednesday.
Māori and Pacific ākonga commencing study at Unitec this week gathered at Mt Albert campus to connect with the key services and people supporting them on their journey.
The Pacific Centre led Pacific Orientation Day in Te Puna with Pacific kaimahi from both campuses in attendance to introduce themselves. Key support staff were also on hand to provide guidance, support and advice at the service booths set up in the Events Kitchen.
“Pacific Orientation is always aimed at creating early opportunities for our Pacific learners to think and feel that they belong at Unitec because having a sense of belonging contributes to their success,” says Interim Manager, Pacific Success, Sooalo Daisy Bentley-Gray.
“This event enables our learners to make connections with people who are likely to provide support during their study journey. We had a Pacific learner enrolled in Trades and Services who was very grateful for our Orientation event, and she will not be shy to ask for support.
“Fa’afetai tele (thank you) to all our academic and student service staff who supported us. Our combined efforts will contribute to the success of our Pacific learners. Malo lava!”
Over at Te Noho Kotahitanga Marae, our new ākonga Māori gathered in Manaaki for their Semester Two Orientation.
The day began with whakawhanaungatanga and introductions followed by morning tea. Ākonga met our key kaimahi in the Marae and MĀIA teams.
They then participated in a workshop led by our Māori Learning Advisors at the MĀIA office. The session provided practical tools and insights to help them prepare for study and navigate their academic journey with confidence.
Support services were also available to answer questions and offer guidance, reinforcing the kaupapa that students do not walk this journey alone. The day concluded with shared kai, nourishing both body and spirit.
“Feedback from our ākonga was overwhelmingly positive. Some expressed how supported, seen, and welcomed they felt as Māori. For tāuira, this was their first time engaging in a culturally responsive orientation, and they left feeling more prepared, more connected, and more excited to begin,” says Academic Development Lecturer (MĀIA), Diane Tamati.
“Ngā mihi nui to everyone who contributed to making the day such a success.”