Te Herenga Tauira: Māori students come together to strengthen collective voice at national hui

Hundreds of Māori tertiary students gathered in Tāmaki Makaurau for Te Huinga Tauira, a national hui focused on cultural connection and amplifying the voices of Māori students. Organised by Tītahi ki Tua, Ngā Haumi ki te Ao, and Te Mana Ākonga, the event brought together students from across Aotearoa for a week of activities including kapa haka performances, hākinakina competitions, wānanga sessions, and career-focused discussions. This year’s theme, Te Herenga Waka, Te Herenga Tauira, emphasized unity among students despite diverse backgrounds and experiences. The hui began with a pōwhiri at Massey University’s North Shore campus, setting the tone for the week’s focus on cultural expression and solidarity. Te Mana Ākonga’s pou tumuaki, Te Tuhi Whakaura o te Rangi Wallace-Ihakara, highlighted the importance of connecting students from different parts of Aotearoa. She described the goal as building a collective strength through shared identity, saying, “We can tuitui our rangatahi together… expand from a thread to an entire rope that can transcend motu and regions.” Wallace-Ihakara noted that while students may have varying paths, whether urban or rural, fluent or not, their shared Māori heritage creates a unifying force. Kimberley Peacock, another pou tumuaki from Te Mana Ākonga, stressed the significance of the hui as a safe space for Māori students, particularly those attending non-Māori-led institutions. She explained that the event allows these students to fully embrace their Māori identity without judgment. “It’s really important that for tauira Māori who are majority studying at Pākehā institutions, that they have a space where they can come and be themselves,” she said. Peacock added that the hui provides a platform for students to express their views and assert their presence within academic settings. The event featured a range of activities designed to foster connection and cultural pride. These included traditional performances such as kapa haka and Manu Kōrero (speech contests), alongside modern elements like sports, career guidance, and networking opportunities. This year introduced new components, including kura reo workshops aimed at strengthening language skills and a dedicated rā wairua (spirit day) focused on building relationships through whakawhanaungatanga. The emphasis on cultural immersion was evident, with participants encouraged to engage fully in Māori practices and values. Ngā Haumi ki te Ao’s tumuaki takirua, Peyton Joe, described the atmosphere as one of authenticity and belonging. She noted that the hui offered a rare chance to experience unapologetic Māoritanga, free from external pressures. “The wairua is definitely high… just being in the space of pure Māoritanga and just being tikanga bound,” she said. The environment was described as welcoming and empowering, allowing attendees to connect deeply with their heritage and each other. Mathew Tyler-Rope, another tumuaki takirua from Ngā Haumi ki te Ao, underscored the role of connection in Māori wellbeing. He stated that relationships are central to hauora, explaining, “As Māori we crave connection… so much of our hauora is formulated about the relationship, about relationships.” The opportunity to interact with peers from different regions helped broaden perspectives, according to Tyler-Rope. “It’s an amazing opportunity to both see the same viewpoint that you see but see it from a different angle,” he said. Such exchanges were seen as vital for personal growth and community cohesion. The hui concluded with the annual general meeting of Te Mana Ākonga, reinforcing the ongoing commitment to supporting Māori students across Aotearoa. As the event drew to a close, the sense of unity and purpose remained strong, reflecting the enduring value of spaces where Māori identities can thrive and be celebrated.