Māori student success
Find out about the support available to you as a Māori student at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Nau mai haere mai
Mō Mātou—About us
Āwhina is an all-Māori team of past and current university students. We are one part of the on-campus whānau for tauira Māori and our goal is to help you make the most of your time at Te Herenga Waka.
To do this, we strive to provide a culturally safe, positive and holistic experience for tauira Māori that encourages cultural confidence and academic success. We are here to provide support for all Māori students enrolled at the University, whether you are a school-leaver or a mature student or whether you know your tūrangawaewae or not. We are here to help!
Ā Mātou Mahi—What we do
From orientation to graduation, the Āwhina team are here to tautoko you. The sooner you connect with us, the faster we can provide support.
Through a shared experience with us and other tauira Māori, we will help you develop your individual skills and find your place to stand. Some of our regular services include:
- study wānanga
- one-on-one hui with Āwhina Kaiakiaki
- connecting you with other tauira Māori
- general get-togethers and academic workshops
- advocating on your behalf
- providing culturally safe spaces to study (VS128)
- referrals to other student support services.
Whakapā Mai—Contact us
The Āwhina Kaiakiaki, Māori Student Adviser for the Faculty of Architecture and Design is Rikipotiki Manuel. Riki can be found in room 128 on the Te Aro campus.
Rikipotiki Manuel
Kaiakiaki Maori Engagement Adviser · FADI Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation
PVC Māori/Iwi Studies
To make an appointment with Riki, please email him at rikipotiki.manuel@vuw.ac.nz or book an appointment.
Follow us on social media: