Māori Centre / Te Huka Mātauraka

28/05/2026

Rāwinia Wikaira (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Wai) made the most of her time as an undergrad at Otago – racking up hundreds of hours of volunteer work, taking on summer internships, and even finding time for an excursion to Europe to sail on a deep-sea vessel – all while earning a degree that reflects her diverse interests. “This is a really unique degree, and the two conjoint majors complement each other so well,” Rāwinia says.

When your personal philosophy is to seize every opportunity that comes your way, life tends to be busy.

27/05/2026

Twins Catrin and Alex Ogilvie (Te Arawa, Ngāti Awa) have a lot to be proud of in their time at the University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka. The pair credit their parents, Brett and Caroline for their interest in science. Dad studied Zoology and Marine Sciences at Otago in the 1980’s, while Mum is a molecular biologist – the two meeting while studying for their PhD’s in the United Kingdom.

From helping the fight against tuberculosis to representing New Zealand in sport and creating lifelong connections along the way, twins Catrin and Alex Ogilvie (Te Arawa, Ngāti Awa) have a lot to be proud of in their time at the University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka.

26/05/2026

James Heimuli – who already has a Master of Public Health (Hons) – graduated this month with a Master of Business Administration (MBA). It was the culmination of years of service, strategic thinking, family support, and a deep commitment to improving outcomes for Pacific families and communities, he says.

Graduate James Heimuli's road to Otago reads like an adventure story.

25/05/2026

Olivia (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe) crossed the graduation stage this month with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Film – capping a journey she first began in 2014. Olivia’s since put her studies to good use, she says.
“It sounds a bit weird working in the health space with a Film degree, but I’ve recently helped our students edit a promotional video they made on their perspective of Medical Laboratory Science. It's a real privilege that they wanted me to edit it for them.

For most people, a degree is a straight line – enrol, study, graduate. For Olivia Moreton, it was a long, looping road that spanned over a decade, crossed cities, careers and health challenges.

21/05/2026

Will Katene (Ngāti Toarangatira te iwi) may be an Olympic torchbearer, but it’s teaching the next generation of Physical Education teachers that really lights his fire. He is a Senior Lecturer in Physical Education and the Director of Physical Education at the University of Exeter in Devon. Will hopes to build connections that will benefit Otago and Exeter’s tauira and help launch their careers.

Before Will Katene (Ngāti Toarangatira te iwi) became an Olympic torchbearer, a finalist for UK New Zealander of the Year and a recipient of the UK’s National Teaching Fellowship Award, he was just a sports-mad kid from Hamilton.

20/05/2026

A dedicated study space for our Māori and Pacific students is now available in the Science Library! 🙌🏽📚
From Monday 18 May, you’ll find this welcoming space on Level 1, Room 9 — a place for focused study, kōrero, and talanoa as we head towards the busy end-of-semester season.
🌿 Come settle in, connect with others, and make the space your own.
🌺 Whether you’re revising, collaborating, or just need a calm spot — nau mai, haere mai!

19/05/2026

Ethan credits the University’s support systems for allowing him to thrive in his degree. “I am grateful for all the support and opportunities that led me here. I may not be in the same position without the University's Māori support systems, the Faculty of Dentistry, and of course, my friends and family.”
For rangatahi considering more demanding study, his advice is direct. “First, consider whether the degree will lead to the future you desire. Second, start learning how to reach the milestones to make that future happen. Finally, reconsider? Nah – mahi hard and don't give up. The future you desire is just a matter of time.”

“Every fibre” in Ethan Kamana (Taranaki, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa, Ngāti Maniapoto) is driven to better support underserved communities in Aotearoa New Zealand.

17/05/2026

Adeleine Tala Eli's participation in the Kickstart 101 programme helped ease the transition into university life – a level of care she now hopes to reflect in her leadership. “I’m the first to go to uni so it was hard for my parents. But I explained to them that I saw Otago as a place of new experiences and learning independence, which is what I needed.” Now as President of the University of Otago Pacific Islands Students Association (UOPISA), Adeleine’s focus is on ensuring UOPISA remains an accessible support system for Pacific students.

From Samoa and the streets of South Auckland to leading Pacific tauira in Dunedin, Adeleine Tala Eli brings a strong foundation of service and passion into her new role as President of the University of Otago Pacific Islands Students Association (UOPISA).

14/05/2026

Kia ora e te whānau
Te Heika Pounamu is on today and we're celebrating all you amazing tauira and your journey with us at Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka! We have a live stream taking place for the entirety of this event for anyone that can't make it in person. Please do feel free to share with your whānau. Just click the link to take you through to the web page to watch this ceremony from 2.00pm.
Ka pai and congratulations to all graduates!

Click this link (and only this link) to the streaming channel which will be used for the ceremony. You will not need to enter any details
https://www.otago.ac.nz/its/services/teaching-and-research-services/streaming/video-streaming-channel-5

photo rights reserved by University of Otago Photographer

13/05/2026

The name inspires the Division of Health Sciences to continue moving forward with purpose, becoming increasingly Te Tiriti-led in its teaching, research and mahi.
The Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor Māori of the Division of Health Sciences, Associate Professor Justine Camp, says “Te Tautari Nui speaks to our connection to the history of this whenua and the knowledge that sits within it. That history provides a way forward – it helps us reshape how we approach health, the environment, and the systems around them. As a Division, our work will look different across areas, but we’re moving in the same direction, grounded in place, and committed to being Te Tiriti-led.

The Division of Health Sciences has been given a new te reo Māori ikoa (name) – Te Tautari Nui.

13/05/2026

Professor Lemalu is just the fourth person to be awarded an Honorary Doctor of Music from Otago since 1969 and the first in about 19 years. Vice-Chancellor Grant Robertson says this highlights the incredible contribution Professor Lemalu has made to music.

Receiving an honorary degree from the University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka feels like a “full circle moment” for an illustrious opera singer.