Ngā Manukura leadership programme

As a tauira Māori arriving at the University, it can be challenging to find your kāinga rua here at Waipapa Taumata Rau. Navigating such a large and unfamiliar space can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to discover what opportunities and support are available for Māori.

By joining this programme, you become a manukura. Manukura are leaders who guide and uplift our tauira Māori, showing them that there are spaces and communities at Waipapa Taumata Rau that offer wrap around support throughout their academic journey. As a manukura you will build meaningful connections and develop your professional skills in an environment that fosters the manaakitanga of our tauira Māori community. 

Ngā Manukura is a new, voluntary initiative that aims to support a committed group of tauira Māori in developing their leadership skills and to create opportunities for them to engage with the kaupapa and initiatives of He Āhuru Mōwai. The programme focuses on building strong connections, fostering whanaungatanga, and strengthening a supportive Māori student community within the University.  

As a manukura, you will gain valuable work experience, build your leadership confidence, and develop skills that can open pathways to recognition, such as the Blues Awards and Distinguished Graduate Awards. This is an opportunity to grow personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact. 

Being a manukura within this programme is about leading by inspiring others through active development of leadership and professional skills. This role plays a key part in creating a welcoming, safe and vibrant environment for tauira Māori, and in supporting student-led initiatives and events that reflect the programme's values.  

Through the role, you will have opportunities to: 

• Develop leadership and professional skills through hands-on experience. 
• Build meaningful relationships and networks across the University community. 
• Strengthen whanaungatanga by connecting and engaging with the tauira Māori community through supporting student-led initiatives within He Āhuru Mōwai. 
• Uphold the tīkanga of the programme and contribute to a welcoming, supportive environment for tauira Māori. 
• Engage in cultural practices, such as karakia and waiata, where appropriate. 
• Share your perspective as a tauira by contributing feedback and insights that help shape future events ad support within He Āhuru Mōwai.