Support for Māori students

Discover the range of academic, personal and financial support you can access through Te Korowai Atawhai.

Korowai-wearing students

Te Korowai Atawhai - “the cloak of kindness, warmth and support”

Te Korowai Atawhai provides a safe space that allows tauira (students) to explore their cultural identity and manaaki’s (supports) them in their academic endeavours. As a service our focus is to nurture (awhi) tauira so that they are able to meet their potential in whatever pathway they choose to follow from pre-enrolment through to graduation. Te Korowai Atawhai also gives tauira the opportunity to meet other Māori students and whanaunga studying at Faculty of Education and Social Work, University of Auckland.

How we help

We are part of the University’s Tuakana network and provide a range of support services for students who are enrolled at the Faculty of Education and Social Work.

Our team have all studied at university so we understand the challenges that students face. We provide a culturally supportive and friendly environment to help you maximise your potential during your time as a student.

Remember, no question is a silly question. The team at Te Korowai Atawhai have heard them all and we will not judge. We are passionate about Māori students success and we want you to be successful.

Academic support

Academic support through Te Korowai Atawhai includes:

  • Academic skills
  • Workshops
  • Wānanga
  • Study information
  • Personal time management
  • Formatting and structure with assessment
  • Time management
  • Essay writing
  • How to understand and answer the question
  • Referencing
  • Critical thinking
  • Group dynamics
  • Strategies for good study habits
  • Best practice when communicating with your lecturer
  • Whananungatanga

Wānanga  

Te Korowai Atawhai run specialist wānanga for students three times during a year.

The first wānanga focuses on study strategies, note-taking and time management to help you get through your first semester, and other basic skills that will assist with your transition into tertiary study.

The second is an exam wānanga that focuses on the upcoming exams, including exam study techniques, writing techniques and how to interpret exam questions.

The final wānanga will prepare you for the end-of-year exams. Both of these exam wānanga will have specialised tutors and lecturers in each exam area that will cover course content.

Pou Whirinaki Mentoring programme

We also provide a Pou Whirinaki Mentoring Programme. Find out more.

Pastoral support

As well as advocacy and academic advice, our staff are always here to help with pastoral support – regardless of your situation. If we don't have the resources to help you, we will be able to refer you to other support services or people who can help you.

The Te Korowai Atawhai team will keep in contact with you throughout the process. A kanohi ki te kanohi approach helps to ensure your university experience is enjoyable. From the smallest challenges to life-changing situations, Te Korowai Atawhai staff are here to provide unlimited support.

Financial support

Having problems getting your head around Studylink? Te Korowai Atawhai can help you make sense of what is required.  

Looking for scholarships?  Te Korowai Atawhai can help you find the right scholarship, whether they are iwi, gender specific, or course of study based, giving you advice on what is needed for applications.

Hardship grants are available to assist Māori and Pasifika tauira who are enrolled in courses at the Faculty of Education and Social Work. Grants are temporary, short-term support for essential costs. Find out more.