Tūhono Programme

In te reo Māori, the kupu (word) ‘tūhono’ means to connect or join. Over the course of five meetings, the Tūhono programme connects students from a diverse range of nationalities and cultures. Not only is this a great opportunity to meet new people, but the programme is designed to help you develop your cultural intelligence (CQ). 

Cultural Intelligence (CQ) is a person's capability to function effectively in culturally diverse situations. Graduates today will inevitably work in culturally diverse organisations and teams. Cultural diversity is associated with increased opportunities for innovation and other benefits, but also greater potential for misunderstanding and associated challenges; therefore, it is essential that students develop the capability to function effectively in culturally diverse situations.

2026 SEMESTER ONE SCHEDULE

• Meeting 1 – Wednesday, 4 March | 16:00-17:30 | Rehua 226
• Meeting 2 – Wednesday, 11 March | 16:00-17:30 | Rehua 226
• Meeting 3 – Wednesday, 18 March | 16:00-17:30 | Rehua 102
• Meeting 4 – Wednesday, 29 April | 16:00-17:30 | Rehua 226
• Meeting 5 – Wednesday, 6 May | 16:00-17:30 | Rehua 102

“This programme is for everyone, as it’s built on sharing understanding and experiences of different cultures, even showing how people from the same country can have very different cultural backgrounds. I made meaningful connections and gained a deeper understanding of my own cultural intelligence, realising I’d been underestimating my skills.”

- Loraine Hatipov, 2025 Tūhono Participant

“It is awesome that there is this opportunity for students to get immersed in a more culturally diverse perspective. It feels very rewarding to be able to connect with other people and learn more about each others' assumptions of different cultures. Those who enjoy meeting new people and finding opportunities to get out of their comfort zone will absolutely value this experience! Now I have the knowledge that can help me out in the real world, and I hope others can see the importance of it."

- Charisse Wong, 2025 Tūhono Participant

Students who successfully complete the Tūhono Programme will receive a UC Business School Tūhono Programme Certificate, recognising their engagement and commitment to developing cultural intelligence. To be eligible, students must attend at least 4 out of the 5 sessions across the programme and constructively engage in these sessions.

For students who wish to further develop their Cultural Intelligence through real-world, applied experience, they may choose to build on their learning by participating in an approved international and intercultural experiences, such as:

• Global Opportunities at UC Business School

• Global Impact Industry Project (Semester 2)

Completion of these experiences, along with the required tasks, allows students to gain the UC Business School CQ Certificate.