Whanaungatanga – Manākitanga – Ako – Rangatiratanga
Kā Rikarika ō Tāne enhances educational and social outcomes for Tauira Māori and aims to reduce the stress involved when transitioning to University.
Hundreds of Tauira Māori and University staff members have contributed to the growth of the programme. We now over 150 Tauira Māori participating in the programme each year.
A first-year student (Teina) is matched with a senior student (Tuakana) at the start of semester one. They navigate the year together with the Tuakana providing support and guidance to their Teina.
Additionally, the programme uses a Whānau concept where clusters of Tuakana/Teina pairs are grouped together to form Whānau. This improves the overall support networks for Teina. Whānau Leaders (Mātāmua) and senior members (Ahi Ka) to grow and get leadership experience within the programme.
Kā Rikarika o Tāne - Mentoring Programme
Jeremy, the Programme Coordinator, explains how Kā Rikarika o Tāne - Mentoring Programme works and why you should seriously consider joining the kaupapa. And there is kai - heaps of kai.
Tāne and the Baskets of Knowledge
The programme is underpinned by the story of Tane and the Baskets (Kete) of Knowledge. Tane was bestowed the honour of retrieving the Kete from the highest heaven Te Toi-o-nga-rangi for mankind. As Tane ascended the 12 heavens, he was faced with many challenges which could have rendered him unable to complete the task. Fortunately, he had support from some of his brothers and companions and he was able to complete the task. As Tane needed support, so do our Tauira who are on their journey to achieve success. Kā Rikarika ō Tāne provides the companionship sometimes required to complete a task
It is really important to note that mentor pairs must meet at least 3 times during the first Semester.
2024 end of year dinner celebrations
Pairings are set up
A new student (Teina) is paired with an experienced student (Tuakana) who’s assignment is to guide the Teina through their first semester. Recently, this has developed in the form of group mentoring where 1 mentor has 2 or more students to guide. This is a great way to build connections and enhance academic learnings.
Whānau are established
Additionally to being matched with a mentor, there are 8 whānau groups consisting of 8–10 pairs. These groups provide extra support and become a Māori whānau away from home. The whānau groups compete to see who is the BEST whānau of the year.
The coordinator uses the information provided in your application form, to form a strong connection between you and a Tuakana. The Tuakana also completes an application form. The most important connections are:
Same line of study and / or division (unless the Teina opts for a Tuakana from a different line of study)
Gender is decided by the Teina. You can choose whether you want to be connected with someone the same gender as you or not
Iwi affiliation. As we are Māori, we value whanaungatanga. We often find that Tauira form stronger connections when they share connections via whakapapa
Level of ability to korero Māori. Our aim is to match Tauira with like for like so you can keep up your practice of te reo during your time together
College affiliation, Tuakana who have been in the same College as the Teina can share experiences and knowledge on the do’s and dont’s of college life
There are 4 stages of mentorship on the programme. Each stage represents it’s own level of leadership. The different levels of leadership within the programme are explained below setting out a pathway for Tauira to aspire towards.
Teina (First Year Students)
The focus for Teina remains as supporting them during their first year, however could involve developing leadership traits such as effective communication, work ethic, commitment and taking responsibility for oneself
Tuakana (Second, Third, fourth year students)
The focus again remains the same. Providing support and advice to their Teina. Leadership development could include, mentoring, communication, reporting, advocacy and being responsible for others
Mātāmua (Minimum of 1 years service as a Tuakana)
Leadership development should include team building, building relationships, communication, conflict resolution, accountability and functional leadership.
Ahi Kā (Minimum 1 years service as Mātāmua)
The Ahi Kā serve as assistant coordinators of the programme and mentors to the Mātāmua. Leadership development will include, event planning, delegation, communication, support and preparation.
Make sure you are aware of the important dates for the 2025 events.
Date
Event
13 January
Mentor recruitment
17 February
Pōwhiri first year Tauira Māori
3 March
Recruitment ends
11 March
Match ups confirmed
15 March
Mentors Wānanga
18 March
Tauira workshop
19 March
Tauira workshop
26 March
KROT Whanaungatanga – meet and greet
16 April
Te Kete Tuatea
28 May
Te Kete Tuauri
13 August
Te Kete Aronui
26 September
Te Kete ote Wānanga – Dinner
Mentor pairs MUST meet at least 3 times during semester 1.
The time commitment outside of these compulsory hui is really the choice of Teina. Many pairs meet more often and form strong connections throughout their study journey.
We encourage you to attend our events to connect with other Tauira on the programme, and going to Whānau catch-ups and check-ins.
In Māori culture, a Teina refers to a younger sibling of the same gender. For males, it means a younger brother, and for females, it means a younger sister. It can also mean cousins of the same gender from a junior line.
The Tuakana-Teina relationship is a fundamental aspect of Māori society, where the Tuakana (older sibling) guides and supports the Teina (younger sibling). This relationship works both ways, meaning the Teina can also offer support and teach the Tuakana in different ways.
What does a Teina do
The Teina is the learner or new entrant to the university. It is vital that the Teina be respectful of the Tuakana’s time and commits to the scheduled meetings and the program events. You must meet a minimum of 3 times in the first semester to get started properly.
Benefits of being a Teina
Faster transition from home into uni life
Access to mentor's knowledge and expertise
Study and time management advice
Advice on Dunedin social network
Expanding networks and increasing visibility
Encouragement, support, different perspectives, and constructive feedback
Sounding board for sharing ideas and challenges
Increased self-awareness and confidence
Support for successful transition into graduate employment
In Māori culture, a Tuakana refers to an elder sibling, specifically an elder brother for males or an elder sister for females. It can also mean a cousin of the same gender from a more senior branch of the family.
The concept of Tuakana-Teina is an important part of traditional Māori society, where the Tuakana (older sibling) provides guidance and support to the Teina (younger sibling). This relationship works both ways, meaning the Teina can also teach and support the Tuakana in different contexts.
This philosophy is also applied in educational settings, where more experienced students (Tuakana) mentor and support less experienced students (Teina), fostering a community of learning and mutual growth.
Benefits of being a Tuakana
Enhancing leadership and communication skills by sharing skills and expertise
Opportunity to reflect on own practice, attitudes, and values
An expanded network of colleagues
Learning from mentee's experiences and knowledge
Satisfaction in supporting the growth of Otago’s next alumni
In Māori culture, Mātāmua refers to the first-born sibling or eldest child within a whānau. It is an important and unique position as they can act as the de facto parent when the parents are absent. Later, when the parents age or pass on the Mātāmua will take over the leadership of a whānau to maintain its cohesion, integrity and to provide direction.
What does a Mātāmua do?
Mātāmua weave together the whānau groups of which they are in charge. Key duties are:
Communication – Ensure their whānau are being kept up to date and are engaging in events. The simplest form of this is to set up chat groups and maintain constant connection
Leadership – Ensuring there is a supportive and positive environment within the whānau group and all whānau members are executing their roles
Role modelling – serves as a role model for younger siblings, setting an example in behaviour, achievements, and adherence to cultural practices
Cultural continuity – maintains and passes down cultural knowledge and practices to the next generation, ensuring the continuity of traditions
The concept of Ahi Kā refers to the burning fires of occupation.
This group consists of 4–6 of our most senior Tauira. These Tauira have fulfilled the requirements of all the previous roles and are now in their final year/s of study.
A key responsibility of the Ahi Kā role is to be a Tuakana for the Mātāmua whilst assisting the Kaituitui (Programme Coordinator) with delivering successful whanaungatanga events. Tasks include planning, managing, resourcing and developing their rangatiratanga in order for them to enhance their employability beyond university.
To encourage the transition, Ahi Kā are also paired with an alumni member who is out in the industry making their mark in the workplace. Just as with the Tuakana – Teina model for first year Tauira, the model continues through into industry.
The concept of whānau refers to a group of people who are related in some way. Traditionally this is a blood connection where all members have assigned roles, bring their personal attributes and skills so they can contribute to the wellbeing of the whānau as a whole. This affects the strength and resilience of the whānau.
Clustering Tuakana/Teina pairs into groups creates whānau during the Match-up stage of the programme. This provides Teina with access to other Tuakana/Teina and creates a support network. Tuakana who have not been matched can still contribute within a whānau.
There are currently 8 whānau within the program; Torea, Te Kotahitanga, Kakapo and Kea, Ururoa, Piwakawaka, Kiwi and Hiwa-te-rangi.
Jeremy Wara