Waipapa Ōhanga Rau
Waipapa Ōhanga Rau (WŌR) is a kaupapa Māori programme that empowers tauira Māori and connects them to a world of opportunities at Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland.
WŌR offers:
- Three programmes designed for Year 11, Year 12 and Year 13 students
- Engaging, hands-on activities
- Tailored advice and tips on preparing for university
- Connection, support and community
Currently, WŌR is open to students at Auckland-based secondary schools. Year 13 students from outside Tāmaki Makaurau can apply for Whāia te Pae Tawhiti.
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. Waipapa Ōhanga Rau grounds them here on earth.
WŌR is an initiative created by Māori, for Māori. It nurtures and inspires the next generation of rangatahi Māori to discover their potential at Aotearoa New Zealand’s top-ranked university.
There is a programme for each year level. Each run for two days on our Auckland campus, with activities tailored to where students are on their journey:
- Year 11 | Exploration and Inspiration: imagine your future
- Year 12 | Preparation and Purpose: plan your subjects and academic pathway toward your goals
- Year 13 | Transition and Transformation: get ready for life as a university student
Each programme builds on the last, so students who take part in all three get the most out of the kaupapa.
Who is it for?
WŌR is designed for tauira Māori in Year 11, 12 or 13 who are thinking about their next steps. Through whanaungatanga, cultural grounding and guidance from tuākana, rangatahi are encouraged to see university as an achievable pathway.
From pōwhiri to poroporoaki, they’re welcomed into a space that affirms their identity, nurtures their aspirations and inspires big dreams.
Are you a careers adviser, parent or guardian, or do you know a student who would benefit? Have a kōrero with them about WŌR.
Meet your friendly WŌR team
Our knowledgeable team is committed to supporting tauira Māori to thrive at the University.
Anaru Parangi (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine) | Māori Relationships Manager
Nia Cherrington-Thomas (Ngāti Awa, Te Whānau-a-Apanui) | Schools and Community Engagement Adviser – Māori
Upcoming events
2027 schedule:
Year 13 programme: 17-18 March
Year 12 programme: 2-3 June
Year 11 programme: 15-16 September
How do I sign up?
Easy. Ask your careers adviser to register you. They’ll get all the details from the University of Auckland Schools, Community and Engagement Team, so you don’t have to do anything else.
Careers advisers, meet the team or email us at scet@auckland.ac.nz to find out more.