Prepare to apply

Learn how to prepare for your Wana application, what the form asks, what to reflect on, and what to expect in shortlisting, interviews, and final selection.

Applications open 16 March

The application form will be available here from 16 March. While you’re waiting, explore the information on this page to help you think about your application.

What to prepare

Before beginning your application, make sure you have:

your most recent CV, including any roles, community involvement, service activity, or informal leadership experience
45–60 minutes to complete the form thoughtfully
time to reflect on your experiences, motivations, and aspirations.

You’ll also need to agree to the University accessing your academic transcript for selection purposes.

Complete the online application

The application form will ask about:

your studies and background
your experiences, strengths, and motivations
your approach to collaboration and curiosity
whether a staff member encouraged you to apply.

Thinking about applying? Talk it over with a staff member

Wana is all about building stronger connections between students and staff across the university—not just for people who join the programme, but for anyone who’s curious about it.

If you’re thinking about applying, we encourage you to talk with a staff member you trust about why Wana appeals to you. A quick conversation can help you bounce around ideas, get clarity, and feel supported while you decide.

Your application will also ask you to name a staff member you’ve spoken with about Wana. If someone has encouraged you to apply, that strengthens your application—so it’s worth having that chat if you can.

How to prepare for the application questions

The application form asks about your experiences, motivations, and leadership potential. You do not need perfect answers or formal leadership experience. We’re looking for honesty, reflection, and curiosity.

Think about your experiences

Reflect on moments where you:

helped others
took initiative
learned something important
stepped up quietly, or behind the scenes
supported your whānau, community, workplace, or classmates
contributed in ways that mattered to someone else.

Informal examples are just as valuable as formal roles.

Why Wana? Why now?

Reflect on:

why this programme appeals to you
what you hope to gain and contribute
how will your participation will benefit your whānau, community, or future goals
what experiences have shaped who you’re becoming.

Your impact in Aotearoa New Zealand

This question invites you to think bigger:

What positive difference do you want to make?
Why is that important to you?
What issues matter to you?
Where do you see yourself contributing — locally, nationally, or internationally?

There are no “right” answers—we’re looking for your authentic vision.

Collaboration and curiosity

These questions explore:

how you work with people who think differently from you
what you consider essential for effective communication
how you balance listening, advocating, questioning, and challenging
how you stay open while still bringing your perspective.

Show us how you approach learning with others.