The options for Māori support on campus is greater than it’s ever been. With numerous Rōpū and the increasing traction of Māori ki Waikato, tauira Māori are able to find their voice and be included in important kōrero. WSU, in conjunction with VP Māori and Rōpū on campus, are constantly working towards supporting and aiding Tauira Māori in making sure their needs are met and they feel represented.
October 2021 marked one year of our Kirikiriroa campus’s Māori student space, Puutikitiki. For many years tauira Māori have longed for a dedicated space and in mid-2020, negotiations with the University senior leadership team had advanced more than ever before.
Almost one year later, Puutikitiki boasts a large number of tauira Māori studying individually or in groups and hanging out everyday with 24/7 access catering to all lifestyles. Different rōpū have hosted events such as wānanga reo, games nights, hui and much more. Tauira Māori support services such as Māori mentors, student learning and Māori ki Waikato have also activated the space on a regular basis.
Fun fact, having respect for Te Reo Māori is sexy, and that’s peer reviewed. Being able to pronounce the name of your Wananga/School is a sure fire way of being a grade a stud at your next gathering. But don’t just take our word for it, give it a go.
Jumping off that, here’s some common phrases you can use throughout your studies. Being fluent isn’t the only way of respecting tikanga, but trying is 80% of the effort.
Can I have a coffee? – He kawhe māku
I just woke up – Kātahi anō au ka oho
What are you studying? – He aha tō tohu e whai ana koe
Sorry I’m late – Aroha mai mō taku tūreiti
Where’s the toilet? – Ke hea te wharepaku
Have you read the Nexus? – Kua pānuitia te Nexus
Can I borrow a pen? – He pene tau
I’m hungry – Kei te hiakai ahau
There’s free food at WSU – He kai kore utu ki Te Kotahitanga o Ngā Akongā o Waikato
Whakatauki of the Week
“Ehara tāku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini”
My strength does not come from me alone, but from the collective.
Common Slang
Ka mutu pea – Mean!
Waha papā – Big Mouth
Wēhi nā – OMG
Hangareka ana – Crack Up
Ēhana – Upto?
Karawhiua – Give it your all
Ko tātou tērā – Is that us?
Ask A Whaea
Kia Ora Whaea, there’s this rash that’s come up on my knee and I’ve tried all this stuff but nothings working? Any advice? – RashyBoy03
Tēnā koe neph,
There’s probably a lot of different things you can do but honestly Kawakawa balm is the way to go. You can use that on all your rashes and cuts. My Kuia used Mānuka honey on cuts and boils so you could probably give that a go? Good luck with the rash neph.
Got a question for your local whaea, email whaea@nexusmag.co.nz
