Waitangi Tribunal finds disability system breaches Te Tiriti

Hundreds of Māori tertiary students gathered in Tāmaki Makaurau for Te Huinga Tauira, a national hui aimed at strengthening the collective voice of tauira Māori through culture, connection and shared identity. Hosted 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, hākinakina, wānanga, Manu Kōrero, career events and discussions on issues affecting Māori students. The opening pōwhiri took place at Massey University’s North Shore campus, with the overarching theme of the event being Te Herenga Waka, Te Herenga Tauira, a metaphor reflecting the journey and unity of Māori students. The hui was led by Te Mana Ākonga pou tumuaki Te Tuhi Whakaura o te Rangi Wallace-Ihakara and Kimberley Peacock. Wallace-Ihakara emphasized the importance of connecting tauira from diverse backgrounds, stating that despite varying life paths, all participants shared a common identity as Māori. She described the event as a means to weave individual threads into a stronger whole, capable of transcending regional boundaries. “We can expand from a thread to an entire rope,” she said, highlighting the potential for collective action and solidarity among Māori students. Peacock highlighted the significance of the hui as a space where Māori students, particularly those attending non-Māori-led institutions, could feel fully themselves. She noted that such spaces were crucial for celebrating Māori culture and 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. This sentiment underscored the broader goal of the hui, to create environments where Māori students could assert their presence and influence. Throughout the week, the event featured a range of activities designed to foster connection and cultural expression. These included traditional performances, sports, career guidance and the annual general meeting of Te Mana Ākonga. New additions to this year’s programme included kura reo workshops and a dedicated rā wairua, focusing on spiritual well-being and whakawhanaungatanga. Ngā Haumi ki te Ao tumuaki takirua Peyton Joe spoke of the unique atmosphere created by the hui, describing it as a space where participants could fully embrace their Māori identity without hesitation. “The wairua is definitely high,” she said, emphasizing the sense of belonging and authenticity felt by attendees. Mathew Tyler-Rope, another tumuaki takirua from Ngā Haumi ki te Ao, stressed the role of connection in Māori wellbeing. He explained that much of hauora, or overall health, is tied to relationships and community ties. The opportunity to meet students from different regions allowed for the exchange of diverse perspectives, he said. “It’s an amazing opportunity to see the same viewpoint from a different angle,” he added, noting that such interactions contribute to personal growth and understanding. The hui served as a vital platform for Māori students to engage with each other, explore their identities and connect with broader networks. By fostering these connections, the event reinforced the idea that while individual journeys may differ, the shared experience of being Māori creates a powerful foundation for collective empowerment. As the week drew to a close, the spirit of unity and cultural pride remained a defining feature of Te Huinga Tauira.