Tēnā koutou katoa!
It is my pleasure to welcome each of you to Ngā Whare Rītī o te Whare Wānanga o Otāgo | University of Otago Flats (Uni Flats). Uni Flats is a vibrant, living-learning community comprised of 750 students from around Aotearoa New Zealand, and the world.
For some of you, the opportunity to live and study in another country will be once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we don't want you to waste a single moment! Be prepared to step outside your comfort zone; to talk to people you don't know; to put your hand up for the Inter-College Competition (sporting/culture/gaming); to get around volunteer initiatives; to take on leadership opportunities; to enrich our community by showing up and being who you are. You are welcome here.
He aha te mea nui o te ao? (What is the most important thing in the world?)
He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata. (It is people, it is people, it is people.)
As a member of our community, we have high expectations of you – but it's nothing you can't handle!
We are about whanaukataka (relationships).
We are about manaakitanga (caring for and nurturing others).
We are about atawhai (kindness and generosity).
We would love you to seek out opportunities to make a positive difference; to ask, “how can I help?” and “what else can I do?” We expect you to respect others, and this place, always. We do not expect perfection – you will make mistakes. But to create a healthy, safe and respectful community, we must all take responsibility for our words and actions.
As you are settling in, please take some time to thoroughly read through this guide, asking questions if anything is unclear. (We also encourage you to use this as a point of reference throughout the year.) As things change in our dynamic environment, updates may be necessary. (Don't worry – we'll make sure you're in the loop!)
Please know that my door is open to you – you are always welcome to drop in for a chat!
Once again, welcome to UniFlats! We wish you all the very best for the exciting year ahead.
Karawhiua!
Tracy de Woeps
Tautiaki (Warden) University Flats