FOR CURRENT MĀORI HEALTH TAUIRA

Become a Tuakana

Share your experiences, inspire the next generation and help Year 13 Māori students take their first steps towards a career in health. As a Tuakana, you’ll provide guidance, encouragement and support while developing your own leadership and mentoring skills.

Apply Now Learn About the Programme
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Why become a Tuakana?

Becoming a Tuakana is an opportunity to give back, strengthen the Māori health workforce and support rangatahi as they prepare for tertiary study. You’ll help build confidence, answer questions and share the lessons you’ve learned throughout your own journey.

  • Develop leadership skills
  • Support future Māori health professionals
  • Be part of a kaupapa that strengthens our communities
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What You’ll Gain

Leadership
Experience

Develop practical mentoring and communication skills that will benefit your future career.

Meaningful
Connections

Build lasting relationships with Teina, other Tuakana and the wider Kia Ora Hauora network.

Make a
Difference

Help a Year 13 student believe they belong in health and support them through an important stage of their journey.

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Who Can Apply?

You may be eligible if you:

  • Are Māori
  • Are currently studying a recognised health qualification
  • Can commit to the programme
  • Are registered with Kia Ora Hauora
  • Are willing to complete mentor orientation/training and vetting requirements
Register with Kia Ora Hauora now
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Your Role

01

Attend orientation

02

Meet your Teina

03

Schedule regular mentoring sessions

04

Encourage and share your experiences

05

Stay connected with the Mai Tawhiti team

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.

Mai Tawhiti is open to:
Teina – Year 13 Māori students interested in pursuing a career in health.
Tuakana – Current Māori health tauira who would like to support and mentor future students.

Yes. Mai Tawhiti is a mentoring programme delivered by Kia Ora Hauora. All participants must be registered with Kia Ora Hauora before joining the programme. If you’re not already registered, we’ll guide you through the registration process before your mentoring journey begins.

Each Teina is matched with a Tuakana studying a health qualification. Together you’ll meet online throughout the programme to share experiences, ask questions and build a supportive mentoring relationship.

No. Mai Tawhiti is free for all approved participants.

We carefully match participants based on factors such as health career interests, study pathway, location where possible and other information provided during the application process. Our goal is to create mentoring relationships that are meaningful and supportive.

Yes. Mentoring sessions are held online, making it easy for participants from across Aotearoa to connect, regardless of where they live.

If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch and our team will be happy to help.

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.

Apply at a Tuakana
Still unsure, reach out to us here