A significant milestone in Māori student representation was reached at Massey University’s Palmerston North campus with the official launch of Ngā Haumi Ki Te Ao, a new united student-led Māori student association. 

The group aims to strengthen advocacy and foster community for the more than 3,000 Māori students across Massey’s four campuses – Pukeahu (Wellington), Turitea (Palmerston North), Oteha (Auckland) and Pāmamao (Distance).

The association was formed in response to mounting concerns regarding Māori student issues in the tertiary sector. General Manager Ana Tupangaia shared that while the initiative had been a “quiet little secret,” the launch marks a bold step into the public eye.

“It’s been a little bit of a hard time making sure we’re represented properly as tauira Māori,” Tupangaia said. 

Tupangaia emphasized the need for authentic representation, rather than having others “tell us what they think representation of Māori students is, rather than actually living it.”

Tupangaia also highlighted the immediate financial pressures facing students, citing concerns over housing subsidies and the impact of changes to ‘fees free’ policies. “Don’t come and take the little bit that you have given us,” she urged, pointing to the reliance many students have on StudyLink and Living Loan payments.

Tauira Nevaeh Scott echoed these sentiments, noting that the ‘fees free’ scheme was the primary reason she could attend university coming from a low-economic family. She expressed concern for her brother, who will not be eligible next year and must work to afford his education. “If it brought kids here, I think it’s worth it enough,” Scott remarked.

The leadership team is focusing on building a flourishing community. Tumuaki Takirua Peyton Joe noted the importance of creating spaces where Māori students can thrive rather than feeling “less in spaces that we should be able to call our own.” Fellow Tumuaki Takirua Mathew Rope, who has long advocated for students at the Tamaki campus, expressed pride in the relationships tauira form. “I’m always proud of the way which I see our tauira hold each other and support each other,” he said.

With a goal to reach at least a third of registered Māori students by the end of the year, Ngā Haumi Ki Te Ao is poised to provide a “korowai atawhai” (cloak of care) for students until their graduation day. 

As a sign is unveiled, it will signal a new pathway for Māori success at Te Kunenga Ki Purehuroa.