KIA ORA HAUORA MAI TAWHITI
Supporting the next generation of Māori health professionals.
Kia Ora Hauora Mai Tawhiti connects Year 13 Māori students with Māori tauira already studying health, creating supportive mentoring relationships that build confidence, strengthen aspirations and support the transition into tertiary study.
What is Mai Tawhiti?
Mai Tawhiti is a mentoring programme delivered by Kia Ora Hauora, connecting Year 13 Māori students aspiring to study health with current Māori health tauira. Through whakawhanaungatanga, shared experiences and guidance, the programme supports students as they transition from secondary school into tertiary health study.
To participate in Mai Tawhiti, both mentors and mentees must be registered with Kia Ora Hauora. If you’re not already registered, we’ll guide you through the process before you begin your mentoring journey.
How it Works
From your first application through to building meaningful mentoring relationships, Mai Tawhiti supports you every step of the way.
Apply
Complete your application.
Match
Meet your Teina or Tuakana.
Meet
Build trust through shared experiences and regular kōrero.
Grow
Develop confidence, knowledge and aspirations.
Continue
Step into tertiary study or become a future mentor.
Why Mai Tawhiti?
Starting university is exciting – but it can also feel overwhelming.
Mai Tawhiti connects Year 13 Māori students with current Māori health tauira who have recently walked the same path. Through one-to-one mentoring, whakawhanaungatanga, group learning and practical guidance, participants gain the confidence and support to take the next step towards a career in health.
The Values that Guide Mai Tawhiti
Every mentoring relationship is shaped by kaupapa Māori that foster connection, confidence and collective success.
Whanaungatanga
Building meaningful relationships through connection, shared experiences and a sense of belonging.
Manaakitanga
Supporting one another with kindness, respect and genuine care throughout the mentoring journey.
Rangatiratanga
Empowering future Māori health professionals to lead with confidence and purpose.
Kotahitanga
Working together to create stronger pathways into health through collective support and shared success.
Ako
Learning from one another through shared knowledge, lived experience and reciprocal mentoring.
More than Mentoring
Mai Tawhiti is more than a mentoring programme. It’s a structured journey designed to help Māori students transition confidently into tertiary health study through one-to-one mentoring, shared learning and culturally grounded support.
One-to-One Mentoring
Be matched with a current Māori health tauira who will encourage, guide and support you throughout your journey.
Group Workshops
Participate in online sessions that build confidence, strengthen connections and explore topics relevant to studying health.
Health Career Insights
Hear from guest speakers and Māori health professionals who share their experiences and career pathways.
University Preparation
Gain practical guidance on applications, study skills, scholarships and what to expect in tertiary study.
Cultural Connection
Grow your understanding of tikanga, whakawhanaungatanga and Māori models of health within a supportive environment.
Ongoing Support
Receive encouragement and guidance throughout the programme from the Mai Tawhiti team and your mentoring network.
Every session, every conversation and every connection is designed to help you take the next step towards a future in health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you’re a future health student, current health tauira or supporting a young person on their journey, here are answers to some of the most common questions about Mai Tawhiti.
Ready to begin your Journey?
Whether you’re preparing for tertiary health study or ready to support the next generation of Māori health professionals, we’d love to welcome you to the Mai Tawhiti whānau.