Pōwhiri welcomes new Māori ākonga

Otago Polytechnic welcomed more than 50 new Māori ākonga and their whānau with a pōwhiri at Puketeraki Marae, reaffirming our commitment to a supportive and culturally grounded start to study.

The events began with a shared breakfast at Poho on the Dunedin campus, provided by Te Punaka Ōwheo, the Māori Learner Success team.

Following breakfast, students and whānau travelled together to Puketeraki Marae in Karitane for Te Hononga Ākonga – Māori Student Pōwhiri.

Rebecca Swindells, Tumuaki Whakaruruhau - Director of Māori Learner Success, says the visit is about collectively upholding the kaupapa of fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment.

“This important occasion welcomes our new Māori ākonga into our learning community, ensuring they feel connected and supported from the outset”.

“The pōwhiri marks the beginning of a relationship focused on manaakitanga and whanaungatanga, helping students build meaningful connections as they embark on their study journeys”, she says.

“We're excited to see the contribution these ākonga will make to our Otago Polytechnic community and beyond, supporting them to thrive and succeed as Māori in their studies here".

The pōwhiri was followed by a range of activities designed to build connections, including a history kōrero delivered by mana whenua, a Tututuku panel workshop delivered by Tuitui designs, and shared kai.

Otago Polytechnic has a range of services to help support ākonga Māori coordinated by Te Punaka Ōwheo, to help ensure students get the academic, cultural and social support they need to succeed in their educational journeys.

Friday’s marae visit followed a similar city welcome for University of Otago Māori students, with pōwhiri and mihi whakatau also taking place as part of welcome events across other polytechnic programmes this month.