Schools and Community Engagement

Ko Waipapa Taumata Rau ko au, Ko au ko Waipapa Taumata Rau. The Schools and Community Engagement Team operate on a pōwhiri model, welcoming young people their families, schools, and wider community through reciprocal relationships, that are developed over a long period of time.  The team runs preparatory programmes and events for students as young as year 5, with Advisors who engage in person and online throughout the year.  

Check out our calendar for events and programmes. 

International students

For relevant information, international students should contact the International Office.

Papali’i Michael Mau’u, Recruitment Manager - Te Ūnga Team

'O le ala i le pule o le tautua' - the pathway to leadership is through service.

Papali’i Michael joined the team in 2022, bringing over 20 years of leadership experience across the retail sector and a lifelong commitment to serving his communities through sport, mentoring, and collective action. Grounded in the values of aiga, faith, service, and collaboration, Papali’i leads with a people-first approach that centres relationships, trust, and shared responsibility. 

In his role, Papali’i oversees a high performing team of faculty experts responsible for the development and delivery of faculty-specific engagement events that support students and their whānau to navigate tertiary pathways journey with confidence. The Te Ūnga team also works beyond Auckland, delivering in-school visits and whānau-focused events across Aotearoa, recognising the importance of meeting communities where they are. Through this work, Papali’i remains committed to uplifting all learners and whānau, strengthening pathways through education, and honouring leadership as service to others.

Max Fong Murray, Engagement Manager - Te Terenga Team

“I didn’t take the straightforward path to university, and that’s why I’m committed to supporting students so they know they don’t need to get it right the first time to succeed or find their passion.”

Max has extensive knowledge of secondary–tertiary transitions, having entered the University through the Tertiary Foundation Certificate before beginning his degree. He joined the team at its formation in 2021 as an Adviser, moved into the Manager role, and now leads the Te Terenga — our Auckland‑based team, including our Pacific Adviser, who work closely with schools to support students in their high‑school journey.

Te Terenga delivers in‑school visits and initiatives focused on early tertiary exposure, confident decision‑making, and informed subject planning. This includes programmes such as Future Me, which helps students explore university pathways and understand their options well before their final years of school. Guided by a commitment to equitable access and early preparation, Te Terenga partners with schools, families, and communities to ensure students feel prepared, supported, and equipped to take their next steps.

Isabella Mory, Scholars Engagement & Outreach Manager

"I'm passionate about supporting rangatahi on their educational journeys and providing them with experiences that help them grow personally and academically."

Isabella is responsible for enhancing the University's efforts to attract high achieving school leavers, which includes overseeing our extension programmes Catalyst (an event series that connects New Zealand's brightest Year 12 students with University research centres), the Young Scholars Programme (university courses available to Year 13), and the Student Ambassador Programme (university students representing the University).

Katalina Ma, Pathways Manager - The Pathways Team

“The core focus of our Pathways Team is to grow STEM success across the secondary sector, increasing preparedness for tertiary education”

Katalina has 15+ years across the secondary sector as a former HOD Math and SLT member. As our Pathway Programmes Manager, Katalina oversees the delivery and ongoing development of our tertiary pathway programmes. Check out our Pathway initiatives here.

Anaru Parangi (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine), Poutaki Taura Tangata Māori /Māori Relationship Manager 

“Just as you must enter the moana to gather its bounty, our rangatahi must immerse themselves in education to unlock the opportunities that will shape their future.”          E whiwhi ai koe i ngā hua o te moana, me mākū koe

Anaru leads with a vision to create pathways where rangatahi and their whānau feel empowered, connected, and celebrated. At Waipapa Taumata Rau, his mahi ensures Māori engagement is strategic and grounded in manaakitanga (care), whanaungatanga (relationships), and rangatiratanga (leadership). Every tauira journey – from pōhiri to poroporoaki – is mana-enhancing and transformative, fostering confidence and enabling Māori success on Māori terms. This is about more than education; it’s about creating futures where rangatahi thrive and whānau are an essential part of that journey.

Imogen Neil, Engagement Development Manager - Lower North Island 

“I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I was younger and understand what it feels like to be figuring things out. Finding your ‘why’ is such an important part of that journey, and I discovered mine in helping young people see their potential and the opportunities waiting for them.” 

As the lead for the Lower North Island portfolio, Imogen’s focus is building strong relationships across the region and aligning her work with the University of Auckland’s strategic direction. She is passionate about creating connections that genuinely support schools, communities, and—most importantly—students. With a background as a careers advisor helps her understand how schools operate and what young people need to feel supported in their next steps. That experience continues to shape the way she works: with empathy, curiosity, and a commitment to making opportunities feel accessible.  She has also led graduate and intern recruitment campaigns, working closely with emerging talent and helping students transition confidently into the workforce. Across every role, she has been driven by the same goal: helping young people see what’s possible and feel excited about where they’re heading. 

Schools and Community Engagement Team

Email: scet@auckland.ac.nz

Level 1, Alfred Nathan House, 24 Princes Street, Auckland