What We Do

The Centre aims to provide assistance to Mäori students in all facets of University life. We aim to provide alternative yet complimentary support systems, which differ from academic departments on campus. Our kaimahi can advocate on your behalf with University staff, and the Centre provides an arena for tuakana/teina support. The Centre also provides you with information regarding other Mäori support groups and staff for students on campus, such as Te Roopu Whai Putake and the Te Kohanga (Mäori Psychology Students Association).

The Centre also holds extensive information regarding grants and scholarships. They are for specific iwi, based on a particular field of study or they are general scholarships. These are definitely worth looking into no matter what year of study you are in. The University of Otago has a long tradition of producing Mäori graduates who have gone on to become leaders in the fields ranging from Health, Sciences, Education to international sports. By enrolling, you will become part of that tradition.

Mission Statement

He waka whakairo matauraka hei aki, hei tautoko, hei kokiri, hei kawe i te huka e whai tohu mätauraka ai raro i te whakaruruhautanga o Ngai Täua.

The Mäori Centre aims to recruit, support, retain and provide for the needs of Mäori students with an emphasis on encouragement of participation, academic excellence and higher learning within a culturally appropriate environment.

The Mäori Centre is a support service for all students of Mäori descent. The Centre aims to encourage Iwi Mäori to participate and succeed in tertiary education from pre-enrolment through to graduation. The Centre offers support for academic, cultural and social needs and operates from a kaupapa Mäori base (Mäori philosophy) and provides services such as: