Waipapa Ōhanga Rau
Waipapa Ōhanga Rau is a kaupapa Māori programme designed to empower our tauira Māori and connect them to a world of opportunities at Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland.
Waipapa Ōhanga Rau offers:
- Three programmes crafted intentionally to support the needs of Year 11, Year 12 and Year 13 students
- Engaging and interactive activities
- Tailored advice and tips on preparing for university
- Connection, support and community
About the programme
Ko ngā tūmanako o ngā tīpuna ki te rangi, ko Waipapa Ōhanga Rau ki te whenua. The hopes of our tīpuna rest in the skies, and Waipapa Ōhanga Rau grounds them here on earth.
Waipapa Ōhanga Rau is an initiative created by Māori, for Māori. It aims to nurture and inspire our next generation of rangatahi Māori to discover their potential at Aotearoa New Zealand’s top-ranked University.
The kaupapa offers three programmes aimed at Year 11, Year 12 or Year 13 students. Each programme takes place over two days on our Auckland campus, with different activities tailored specifically for each year level:
- Year 11 | Exploration and Inspiration: Inviting students to imagine their future
- Year 12 | Preparation and Purpose: Guiding students through subject choices and academic planning to pave the way toward their goals
- Year 13 | Transition and Transformation: Preparing for life as university students
Each workshop offers valuable activities and essential guidance for each year level, so students who progress through all three will gain maximum benefits from the programme.
Who is it for?
This programme is specifically designed for tauira Māori currently enrolled in Year 11, 12 or 13 and thinking about their next steps for the future. Through whanaungatanga, cultural grounding, and guidance from tuakana, the programme encourages rangatahi to see university as an achievable pathway and sets them up for success.
From pōwhiri to poroporoaki, they are welcomed into a space that affirms their identity, nurtures their aspirations, and inspires big dreams for their futures.
If you are a Careers Advisor, parent, guardian or know of a student that would benefit from this programme we encourage you to have a kōrero about it with them.
Note: Currently the programme is aimed at Auckland-based secondary school students.
Meet your friendly WŌR team
The programme is delivered by our friendly and knowledgeable team, who are all committed to supporting tauira Māori to thrive here at the university.
Anaru Parangi (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine) | Māori Relationship Manager
Nia Cherrington-Thomas (Ngāti Awa, Te Whānau-a-Apanui) | Schools Community & Engagement Adviser - Māori
“Our mission is to inspire, nurture and foster the growth of our rangatahi as innovators and future trail blazers.”
Upcoming events
The 2026 schedule is as follows:
Year 13 programme
Wednesday 18 March and Thursday 19 March
Year 12 programme
Wednesday 17 June and Thursday 18 June
Year 11 programme
Wednesday 12 August and Thursday 13 August
Next steps
Your Schools, Community and Engagement Team from the University of Auckland will have all the information you need to register your students for this programme. Learn more about the team.
Contact your Schools Adviser through the usual channels to find out more.