KIA ORA HAUORA
About Mai Tawhiti
Mai Tawhiti is a kaupapa Māori mentoring programme delivered by Kia Ora Hauora. It connects Year 13 Māori students with current Māori health tauira, creating supportive mentoring relationships that build confidence, strengthen aspirations and help prepare rangatahi for tertiary health study.
Through one-to-one mentoring, whakawhanaungatanga, workshops and ongoing support, Mai Tawhiti provides students with the encouragement and practical guidance they need to take the next step towards a career in health.
OUR STORY
Why Mai Tawhiti Exists
Every year, Māori students begin the journey towards a career in health. While exciting, the transition from secondary school to tertiary study can also feel challenging and uncertain.
Mai Tawhiti was created by Kia Ora Hauora to ensure rangatahi don’t have to navigate that transition alone. By connecting Year 13 Māori students with current Māori health tauira, the programme provides guidance, encouragement and real-life insights that help build confidence for the journey ahead.
Through whakawhanaungatanga, one-to-one mentoring and shared learning experiences, Mai Tawhiti supports students to realise their aspirations while strengthening Māori representation across the future health workforce.
“Sometimes all it takes is someone who’s already walked the path to help you believe you can too.”
The kaupapa behind Mai Tawhiti
THE JOURNEY
The Mai Tawhiti Journey
From registration through to mentoring, workshops and future study, every step of Mai Tawhiti is designed to help you grow in confidence and prepare for a future in health.
01
Register & Apply
Register with Kia Ora Hauora and submit your application to join Mai Tawhiti.
02
Connect
Meet the Mai Tawhiti team and be matched with a current Māori health tauira.
03
Mentor
Build confidence through regular one-to-one mentoring conversations.
04
Learn
Join workshops covering university life, scholarships and studying health.
05
Grow
Take your next steps towards tertiary study with confidence and ongoing support.
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT
More Than a Mentoring Programme
Mai Tawhiti combines one-to-one mentoring with kaupapa Māori, practical guidance and a supportive community to help Māori students thrive throughout their transition into tertiary health study.
Grounded in Kaupapa Māori
Every aspect of Mai Tawhiti is shaped by kaupapa Māori, creating a culturally safe and supportive environment where rangatahi can learn, grow and belong.
Mentoring that Matters
Be supported by a current Māori health tauira who understands the challenges and opportunities of studying health because they’ve recently walked the same path.
Preparing You for Success
From scholarships and StudyLink to university life and career pathways, Mai Tawhiti provides practical guidance that extends beyond mentoring.
What You’ll Experience
These values shape every mentoring relationship, every workshop and every connection made through Mai Tawhiti. They guide how we support rangatahi, build relationships and create a culturally safe environment where everyone can thrive.
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.
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.