University opens new support centre for Māori students

He Āhuru Mōwai, the new support centre for Māori students, has officially opened its doors. Designed to provide culturally responsive services, the centre will support tauira Māori by providing academic guidance and well-being initiatives.

The opening dawn ceremony on 10 March featured a blessing led by Kaiārataki Michael Steedman and Kaitiaki Reo Māori Robbie Paora of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. Ngā Tauira Māori, the University’s Māori Student Association, unveiled the space, followed by a karakia to bless the new centre.

Turei Ormsby (Tūhoe, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu), manager of He Āhuru Mōwai, is excited to begin the new venture. He says the space, on the second floor of the Kate Edger Information Commons, has been created to fulfil a need indicated by students.

Nearly all other universities around the country have similar spaces for Māori students, to help create a sense of belonging and connection during their time at university.

“We provide tikanga-based pastoral care, tailored student services, and kaupapa Māori well-being initiatives,” says Ormsby. “We want tauira to feel supported in a way that aligns with their identity and aspirations.

“By embedding kaupapa Māori values into our approach, we hope He Āhuru Mōwai becomes a space where tauira can find strength in their identity and develop leadership skills that will serve them during and beyond their time at university.”

Another goal is to improve success rates among Māori students and encourage them to complete and go on with their academic studies. Almost seven percent of the University’s students are Māori.

“Our vision is for He Āhuru Mōwai to become a leading model of Māori student support and success. We want this space to evolve into a hub that continues to uplift and empower Māori students, while also serving as a centre for Māori excellence, research, and innovation.”

Additionally, He Āhuru Mōwai will support students living in University Accommodation, through ongoing pastoral care and regular check-ins. It will also facilitate workshops, events, and initiatives that align with Māori student needs.

And, of course, there’s the fun stuff – social connections to be made, and friendships built. It's a space for students to connect, share experiences and build relationships, which have all been proven to improve the student experience. There’s a social lounge, hot drinks station, private consultation rooms, and a group workshop space.

The University sees He Āhuru Mōwai as an evolving initiative, with aspirations for stronger partnerships with iwi, external organisations, and Māori leaders. The goal is for it to be a home away from home for tauira Māori, where they will feel valued, connected and supported in personal, cultural and academic development.

Grace Latimer (Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa), Kaiārahi of Campus Life, played a key role in bringing the vision of He Āhuru Mōwai to life.

“For all our tauira Māori, they can guarantee a support system behind them. This is what it means to honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi here at Waipapa Taumata Rau.

“It’s a new chapter for us. We recognise that there is huge demand on our students and our graduates out there in the world, and we want to try our best to fill that demand and see them all flourish – to go back to their whānau, hapū and iwi, and make a difference.”

She says He Āhuru Mōwai will be a place where tauira Māori feel a strong sense of belonging and connection to their ao-Māori (Māori world) and hāpori Māori (Māori community).

“We want our tauira to feel valued and supported in every aspect of their academic journey.”

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