Our wharenui, Ngākau Māhaki was filled with connection, kōrero and new beginnings on Tuesday 24 February as a new cohort of Māori ākonga (students) were welcomed at their Māori Student Orientation.
Designed to introduce ākonga to the MAIA and Marae teams, key support kaimahi (staff) and services, as well as the institution’s values, the hui focused on building belonging from day one.
“Unitec is your whare, a place where you are celebrated, as Māori, your potential is nurtured, and your aspirations are supported,” says Taharangi/Director-Māori Success, Vivienne Merito.
A whakatau (welcome) by Taurahere Marae Hohepa Renata set the tone for the day. Ākonga were welcomed into the kōrero of the whare, grounding them in the stories, values and aspirations that shape Te Whare Wānanga o Wairaka.
Whānaungatanga (Māori principle of building, maintaining, and strengthening reciprocal relationships) was central to the morning, with students connecting not only with our kaimahi, but also with their peers embarking on similar academic journeys. The atmosphere was one of shared purpose — a reminder that success at Unitec is collective as well as individual.
“Nau mai, haere mai ki te whānau o Te Whare Wānanga o Wairaka (We welcome you into our Unitec whānau).”
Academic Lead, Maia Centre Diane Tamati, says the kaupapa of the hui was clear.
“The purpose of this gathering was to acknowledge the unique place of Māori within our institution and to ensure our ākonga feel a sense of belonging and cultural safety from the very start of their academic journey,” Diane says.
Ākonga and their whānau met with representatives from Student Support Services and the Maia whānau, strengthening awareness of the academic and pastoral support available throughout their studies.
Student Council Māori representative and second-year Bachelor of Social Practice ākonga, Beyonce Kahui told ākonga: “I’m passionate about creating spaces where our tauira Māori feel seen, heard, and empowered. I am here to listen to your voices, advocate for your aspirations, and uplift what tauira Māori want to see reflected across our campuses through initiatives, activities, and cultural visibility.”
“It was encouraging to see them engaging with the resources available and expressing gratitude for the tailored support,” Tamati adds.
Following the formal welcome, students took part in a hikoi around the Mt Albert campus, meeting key staff and becoming familiar with the spaces that will shape their learning experience.
The hikoi helped to reinforce a simple but powerful message: ‘you are not alone on this journey’.
“There was a strong emphasis on seeking academic support early, reminding our ākonga that success is a journey best travelled together,” Ms Tamati explained.
“It was an amazing experience! What i enjoyed the most was learning about the history of the marae, understanding that each pou holds a significant history to our people and culture. Knowledge is mana and I enjoyed listening to the mana of the whare,” says Bachelor of Social Practice ākonga, Latara Nicoll.
