Supporting rangatahi Māori
As part of AUT’s work in the regions to remove barriers to higher education, AUT provided transport for Northland students wanting to experience AUT LIVE, the University’s annual open day.
On Saturday morning two AUT Student Recruitment Advisors met with 34 students from six schools in Whangārei to bus down to Auckland with them. Students were provided with lunch and snack packs, and the two Student Recruitment Advisors also acted as their guides throughout the day as they explored their study options and had a taste of campus life.
AUT Student Recruitment Advisor - Māori, Satriani Epiha (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kura, Ngāti Rēhia), one of the staff members who hosted the students, says this is an initiative that is close to her heart.
“Being from Northland myself, it’s a very special part of my job to be able to build relationships with local schools over the past three years. I loved having the opportunity to bus down with these students and look after them for the day. They’ve all heard me talk about AUT, but for them to be able to see the campus and experience it for themselves, it just took it to another level. Most of them have decided they want to study here and told me that being at AUT LIVE confirmed their decision.
“Back in 2017, it was because of AUT LIVE that I decided to attend AUT. I had the most amazing study experience, graduated and now I’m encouraging students from back home to come to AUT as well. It was a full circle moment for me.
“As Māori, you naturally want to give back. I tell the students you can always come to Auckland, study, and take your skills and knowledge back home to support the community,” she says.
Careers Advisor at Pompallier Catholic College in Whangārei, Julie Hamilton, says she wants her students to experience AUT and all that is on offer so they can make informed decisions.
“We had a lot of students interested in attending AUT. We had a need up here (for the bus) as lots of parents work and money for transport is tight.”
For the first time, AUT’s Māori Student Support team – Pou Māori | Māori Centre also ran a useful and interactive information session that outlined preparation for university, including the practical steps needed, along with specific support for Māori students and whānau as they step into university life.
AUT Pou Māori | Senior Manager, Hariata Mareroa (Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa) says the session aimed to be open and welcoming, enabling students and whānau to ask questions and take part in kōrero.
“Our hope for the Pou Māori | Māori Centre session was encapsulated in this whakataukī - Whāia te mātauranga, Hei oranga mō koutou. Seek after learning for the sake of your wellbeing. This whakataukī refers to the importance of learning for it is key to your wellbeing. If you follow the path of learning, the world will be your oyster.”
AUT Director of Marketing and Recruitment, Vanessa Burns (Ngāti Mutunga, Ngāti Raukawa), says AUT’s focus on Māori as a priority student grouping is under-scored by a university-wide commitment to student continuity planning through Ki Uta Ki Tai, the University’s student success strategy.
“Weaving Te Ao Māori into all of our considerations moving into the future is where AUT is committed through action. As wahine Māori myself, I am passionate about providing pathways and higher education opportunities for our rangatahi Māori in Aotearoa. Every kaupapa counts and every ākonga Māori counts.” says Vanessa.