WHAKAKĀINGA

Words by Te Huihui o Matariki Chí Huy Tran (he/him; Taranaki, Te Iwi o Maruwharanui) 

Transitioning from high school to university challenged my sense of home. I didn’t know what I was heading into, and I certainly didn’t expect I would end up where I am now. At high school, my ability to express myself was limited. After my first year studying at Te Herenga Waka, I realised that expressing each individual aspect of yourself is key to making connections with your peers inside and outside the classroom. 

What worked for me was finding my sense of self through my culture and solidifying my own mātauranga Māori. I never expected the opportunities and potential that discovering my self-expression would have. Of course, this wouldn't have been achievable without the āwhina coming from our Māori Students Association at Victoria University of Wellington: Ngāi Tauira.

The word “loss” perfectly describes what it was like for me starting my first year. As a result, I joined Ngāi Tauira, hoping that my uni life would be filled with joy and support. This community of students would soon become what I consider to be an indispensable part of my life while attending uni and in general. 

Ngāi Tauira offers a range of services to students, including support, funding for scholarships and other educational opportunities, national participation on boards and councils, social networking, and pastoral care. In accordance with Te Tiriti o Waitangi,, Ngāi Tauira seeks to support, nourish, and foster the intellectual, cultural, political, and social potential of all tauira. Additionally, Ngāi Tauira is in favour of any initiative that will help promote the study of te reo Māori and tikanga Māori at Te Herenga Waka. 

The best thing that Ngāi Tauira has provided me is a safe space where I can fully express and emerge myself into Te Ao Māori while studying in a Western academic environment—something that I couldn’t achieve in my time at a mainstream high school. What I love most about being part of Ngāi Tauira is attending kaupapa Māori with my mates. There’s always so much to learn and reflect on from each kaupapa. 

A message for those who are starting their first year at Vic (especially those who are not Pōneke based): if you need a safe space where you can find your own identity through the years, Ngāi Tauira can be a home away from home. Ngāi Tauira will always welcome everyone and will encourage our Māori students to help you define who you are as a person. It will definitely be a great time to learn and grow alongside our awesome NT whānau.

Chur,

Huy