茄子视频app官网

Menu

Wananga landing Wananga landing
UC Choice

Wairaamia

01 August 2024

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in M膩ori and Indigenous Studies
K膩i Tahu, K膩ti Mamoe, Waitaha, Ng膩ti Raukawa, Ng膩i te Rangi

HOW TO APPLY

Your wh膩nau moved to 艑tautahi just before starting high school. That must have been a difficult transition. Why did you decide to stay and study at UC?

I was devastated to leave 艑tepoti, and always thought I would go back there for uni. However, I developed a deep appreciation for the community, the wh膿nua, and the support network I had established in 艑tautahi.

The decision to remain in 艑tautahi for university was solidified when I received UC鈥檚 Takere Scholarship. It enabled me to participate in a fully-funded, five-week summer programme alongside 50 M膩ori and Pasifika tauira from across Aotearoa, and laid a strong foundation for my success.

What benefits did the Takere Scholarship provide you?

It was beneficial on both an academic and personal level. It taught us all the basics you need to know before starting uni, like how lectures and labs work. We also got to learn about and experience everyone鈥檚 different cultures 鈥 M膩ori, Samoan, Fijian, Cook Islands, and Tonga.

It was so interesting, and it helped us understand each other鈥檚 journeys. We really bonded and got to go into our uni experience with this supportive group around us. It was such an awesome experience.

You鈥檙e deeply involved with Te Akatoki, UC鈥檚 M膩ori Students鈥 Association. Tell us about that.

Te Akatoki serves as a second wh膩nau for tauira from across Aotearoa. It has been instrumental in supporting me culturally, academically, and socially, helping me maintain and strengthen my identity. I currently serve as an executive member.

We鈥檙e driven to ensure that our rangatahi can have a sense of community and belonging. We offer cultural, academic, and social support by organising events, workshops, and activities that promote Te Ao M膩ori and cultural identity, and advocate for the needs and interests of M膩ori students within the university.

The staff, faculty, and fellow tauira create a welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy to form connections and feel at home.

How has finding such a passionate M膩ori community at UC helped you?

When you鈥檙e coming into a massive institution as a minority, you have to find your people. Coming out of high school, where I was Head Girl in Year 13, it was humbling. But finding those like-minded people 鈥 that second wh膩nau 鈥 was crucial. It boosts you up, helps you remain confident in your journey.

Being on the executive for Te Akatoki has also helped because I get to be both teina and tu膩kana. It鈥檚 a cycle; you just keep learning all the time. Especially for those who aren鈥檛 from Christchurch, knowing Te Akatoki is there and having a whare where you can just go relax is comforting.

What do UC鈥檚 values mean to you, and how do you see examples of them in real life?

Manaakitanga, kindness and generosity, that鈥檚 a big staple. You definitely see it. The lecturers are so kind. I recently had to be away for a tangi, and I was surprised that a lot of professors, even ones not from New Zealand, understood the tangi process. They were so understanding and patient; they knew straight away and gave me the support I asked for. It was such a relief.

And whanaungatanga aligns with all the diverse clubs and groups that UC offers. Going to uni is about finding yourself, and through the clubs there are so many opportunities to help you find your wh膩nau and discover who you are.

Have you got any advice for other young M膩ori students who may be thinking about going to uni?

Don鈥檛 be afraid to ask questions. During my first year, I was so scared to ask for help. That鈥檚 one thing about being M膩ori 鈥 we鈥檙e very proud, so it鈥檚 hard to reach out for support. It was a big thing for me to let that guard down and admit that I need help. But by asking for help, you get so much more than just help. You build relationships and make key connections.

There are so many support systems at UC 鈥 you just have to put your hand up and we鈥檒l come get you from there.

Privacy Preferences

By clicking "Accept All Cookies", you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyse site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.