Daisy Keene (right) is delighted she chose Otago for her university study. She is pictured here with ‘god-sisters’ Emily (left) and Kate Koller, who are also Otago tauira.
An “incredible experience” is how Otago tauira Daisy Keene describes a programme that gives secondary school students a taste of campus life every January.
In 2024, Daisy took part in Whai Wheako i Ōtākou, Hands-On at Otago, a fun, immersive programme that gives senior secondary students (those who will be in Years 12 and 13 in 2026) a glimpse of Otago student life. Hands-On aims to encourage these young people to consider tertiary study, especially at Otago.
“I got to meet a lot of great people and had a lot of fun embracing the chaotic adventure that was Hands-On,” Daisy says.
From 11 to 16 January, Otago’s Dunedin campus will host 403 students from 203 high schools across Aotearoa New Zealand. They will stay at residential college Te Rangihīroa, take part in research projects, sample a host of university subjects and enjoy a varied social and recreational programme.
Originally from Christchurch, Daisy says both her sisters went to Hands-On and gave it “great reviews”, so she was very keen to take part.
The social activities were her favourite part, and being able to stay in a residential college eased any concerns she had about a college environment and highlighted how easy it was to make friends.
Daisy is studying for a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Chemistry, and last year also took two dance papers.
“At Hands-On, I was part of Dance and Theatre, and that experience was significant in my choosing the University of Otago, as the week left such a positive, lasting impression of the environment of the University.”
It was an intense first year as Daisy adjusted to life as a university student and she was delighted to be able to continue her passion for dance, even as she studied for a career in science.
She really appreciated the great atmosphere created by Senior Teaching Fellow in Dance Sofia Kalogeropoulou and says the relationships she built over the year have been important in “building myself a home away from home”.
Sofia, who has been involved with Hands-On for nine years, says the value of the programme is the way it offers students a first-hand, holistic experience into university life and student culture.
“I love the way that the campus fills up with a youthful buzzing energy, early on in January. It is rejuvenating and, personally, it sets me up for the rest of the year.”
Sofia says that in her sessions, she introduces students to the choreographic process and artistic collaborations.
“Overall, the aim is to cultivate the idea of complicité, a sense of togetherness, trust and a collaborative spirit. These are fundamental principles in the dance world, but also apply to any other professional environment.”
Daisy says she would “absolutely recommend Hands-On to any young people”, whether they are considering the University of Otago or not.
“Experiencing a taste of life as a student was so valuable and is something I have no regrets about.”
For her, the best thing about being at Otago is the amazing support system set up for students.
“Especially in halls, the kaiāwhina and team make sure you are cared for and know that you have a community to fall back on if you ever need help or are unsure.
“The labs and practical classes are great fun, ensuring you enjoy your studies even as you work hard.”
Hands up for Hands-On – enjoying their time on campus are secondary school student ‘blue shirts’ and the ‘red shirt’ helpers who were part of the programme in 2025.
What’s happening at Hands-On
From explosions to murder mysteries, there will be something for everyone at Hands-On at Otago.
A wide range of University departments and schools are involved in the programme, and students get to try out everything from dissection, creating stone tools and chocolate making to building a radio antenna and swimming in the flume.
Hands-On at Otago Co-Convenor Dr Lisa Russell says staff go above and beyond to create great interactive experiences for the students.
“This week is a wonderful way for secondary students to experience some of the exciting subjects and opportunities offered by Otago. They also get to make new friends, develop their skills and grow in confidence.”
This year, there will be several new themed projects for Humanities, Commerce and Health Sciences First Year (HSFY).
In Arts and Social Sciences (Humanities), students will be separating fact from fiction to understand what really happened in Doubtful Sound in 1793 on a fateful voyage of Spanish explorers.
In the new Commerce project, students will be developing innovative business solutions and pitching them to a panel of industry professionals. Students taking part in the HSFY project will be trying to identify the cause of a disease outbreak that is posing a threat to Hands-On at Otago, and work out who is at risk and what treatment could be used.
In 2026, about a third of those attending will be Māori and Pacific students, there will be 30 international students, and 138 of the cohort will be on a scholarship.
“We really appreciate the support from our scholarship providers. Their generosity means more students, from a wide range of backgrounds, can access this great programme,” Lisa says.
- Kōrero by Andrea Jones, Team Leader, Divisional Communications