He Āhuru Mōwai, the Māori Student Support Centre at Waipapa Taumata Rau, is a welcoming home away from home that nurtures the wellbeing, identity, and success of tauira Māori.

Established in March 2025, the centre sits on Level 2 of the Kate Edger Information Commons and offers a warm space where tauira can study, eat, relax and connect. More than just a study space, it is a whare of belonging and community, supported by our Pouāwhina Māori who provide support and help tauira Māori navigate their studies and the wider university services available to them.

The team can support tauira with the following:

Personal support

• Emotional Support
• Homesickness and loneliness
• Identity and belonging
• Relationship and whānau issues

Academic and campus life

• Academic concerns
• Service navigation
• Accommodation issues
• Hardships and stress

Safety and advocacy

• Bullying
• Harassment
• Discrimination

The Tohu Manaakitanga provides short‑term support for tauira Māori experiencing financial hardship. Delivered through He Āhuru Mōwai, it ensures Māori students are supported in their hauora and learning during challenging times. 

Eligibility

Tauira may be eligible if they:

• Are Whakapapa Māori
• Are enrolled at Waipapa Taumata Rau
• Reside in Aotearoa
• Have attended courses for at least two weeks
• Have paid enrolment fees
• Are experiencing genuine hardship after exhausting StudyLink, WINZ, savings, or allowances 

How we can help

• Grocery support
• Travel support
• Guidance to wider University supports including emergency funding, accommodation assistance, scholarships and University Health and Counselling Services. 

How to access

Complete the Tohu Manaakitanga form linked below. A Pouāwhina Māori will contact you for a kōrero and help identify the support that best fits your needs.