Tūraka Hou | Māori orientation
Māori orientation assists with the transition from whānau to university, providing a strong foundation for tauira Māori to settle into their first and second years of study.
This is a great opportunity for tauira to meet other tauira Māori and develop a sense of whakawhanaukataka – you belong to a community, and you are not alone.
As part of the Māori orientation every year we warmly welcome first year tauira Māori and their whānau to attend the pōwhiri at Ōtākou Marae.
There are usually two pōwhiri – one in the morning and one in the afternoon. One pōwhiri is for tauira studying in the Sciences, Commerce and Humanities; and the other for tauira studying First Year Health Sciences.
Students at Ōtākou Marae
Te Heika Pounamu | Māori pre-graduation ceremonies
There is nothing like the pride whānau feel when their tamariki make it through their years of study and achieve their degrees, and we make sure this milestone is celebrated.
The Māori Centre co-ordinates the Māori pre-graduation ceremony before the formal events at the Town Hall. All whānau are invited, and there is time for kōrero, waiata, photographs and plenty of laughter (and a few tears!).
At all Māori pre-graduation ceremonies, graduands and their whānau are given the opportunity to honour those who have provided support, reassurance and belief throughout their academic journey. The event is a highlight on our calendar and is remembered by many tauira as one of the best days of their lives.
Group photo of Māori graduates and staff attending the Māori pre-graduation ceremony dinner 2022
Mana Pounamu Young Achiever Awards
The annual Mana Pounamu Young Achievers' celebrating the vast and varied achievements of rakatahi Māori (Māori youth) in secondary schools across Otago.
Each October, Mana Pounamu acknowledges the many wonderful accomplishments of rakatahi Māori, and aims to inspire them to consider tertiary education as a natural progression. The Awards provide an opportunity to showcase our future leaders, providing inspirational role models to other Māori youth across the province.
Mana Pounamu is a Kāi Tahu initiative supported by Kā Papatipu Rūnaka ki Arāiteuru, Otago Polytechnic, the University of Otago, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, the Ministry of Education and the Otago Daily Times.
For more information on this event visit the Mana Pounamu Young Achiever Awards website
Students and whānua attending the 2022 Mana Pounamu Young Achiever Awards
Te Tauhoko Nui o Matariki | Matariki Night Market
The inaugral Te Tauhoko Nui o Matariki Matariki Night Market was held on Castle Street North on the 21 June 2022.
It was a cold night but there was a warm atmosphere at this successful and well attended event. The outdoor market on the Dunedin campus featured kai stalls, workshops, Kapa Haka and a stage with live music.
The Māori Centre, Pacific Island Centre and Te Rōpū Māori provided an atmosphere that was centred around Manaakitanga by offering a space for Kaumātua and performers to keep warm.
Te Rōpū Māori Kapa Haka group performing at the inaugral Matariki night market