
Te Kakau a Māui 150th scholarship programme
To help 150th anniversary Te Kakau a Māui scholarship ākonga | students settle in and have the best university experience, UC offers a jam-packed programme of support throughout their first year. This includes everything from mentoring and PALS (Peer Assisted Learning Sessions) to success and careers coaching, as well as a number of social events to encourage and foster whanaungatanga.
Programme aim
The programme is guided by UC’s framework of Ngā Uara | Our Values, to build capability in ākonga using manaakitanga, whanaungatanga and tiakitanga, enabling them to thrive and setting them on the path for life-long learning.
Student outcomes

- Establish and connect with ongoing support networks
- Develop relationships within UC Community

- Navigate the transition to university life
- Learn and share knowledge

- Empowered to take on new challenges
- Achieve academic goals and aspirations
Support on offer
The programme will be driven through social hubs called ‘Homebases’ of approximately 10 students led by a UC staff member. Staff leads will be a friendly face and provide manaakitanga to their homebases to build connection and a sense of belonging at UC. Homebases will meet 3 times a term, and cover the following areas:
- Whanaungatanga – Led by Staff leads and homebase ākonga, these sessions will be social to build and foster whanaungatanga.
- Success – Facilitated by dedicated Success Coach, these group and 1:1 sessions will contribute to the development of academic mindset and resilience in ākonga.
- Careers – Facilitated by both Success Coach and UC Careers team, these sessions will centre on career development learning.
In addition to the support offered through homebases, the programme includes:
- Alumni Mentoring – Alumni will be matched with ākonga based on common interests and/or high schools for formal and ad hoc mentoring and support. This may be 1:1 or in a group setting depending on the preferences of both the ākonga and the mentors. Mentoring will start in Term 2.
- PALS (Peer Assisted Learning Sessions) – A peer to peer programme that brings ākonga together in regular group study sessions which are aligned with a first-year course. PALs leaders will also be orientation buddies for Te Kakau a Māui ākonga.
- Events – A range of events will be held throughout the year to strengthen whanaungatanga and build a sense of belonging, this includes a 3 day retreat.
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