Ngā Haumi ki te Ao hosts Te Huinga Tauira on the Auckland campus

For this year’s National Māori Students' Conference, students from eight associations across the motu were welcomed by Ngā Haumi ki te Ao, the Māori students' association run by students for students at Massey.

General manager of Ngā Haumi ki te Ao Ana Tupangaia, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāruahine, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Rarotonga, says interest for attending this year’s gathering was high among students.

“This is the main thing that can bring us together for a united front.”

The week-long event, which ran from 1 to 6 September, saw ākonga come together for pōwhiri, hākinakina, mana kōrero, kapa haka, kōreroreo sessions based on levels of fluency, a future-focused careers expo and more.

Ngā Haumi ki te Ao co-hosted the event alongside Manawatahi, Massey's Manawatū Māori Student Association, Tītahi Ki Tua, the Auckland University of Technology Māori Students’ Association, and Te Mana Ākonga, the National Māori Tertiary Students' Association.

The whakataukī for the event is ‘Te Herenga Waka, Te Herenga Tauira’, which Ana says highlights togetherness and a space to celebrate being Māori.

For the 2026 gathering, Ngā Haumi ki te Ao was especially focused on bringing in more opportunities for whakawhanaungatanga between students from different universities. This meant launching the event with pōwhiri and rā wairua (spirit day), creating a space for whaikōrero across associations.

Ngā Haumi ki te Ao celebrated its official launch in May. Ana says the association has been proud to represent their unique perspective.

“My understanding is that we’re the only university-funded, recognised Māori association. We’re leading the way in what it looks like to build a new pathway for Māori students at university, not just at Massey, but in the country.”

Ngā Haumi ki te Ao hosts Te Huinga Tauira

Manuhiri recognised the undertaking it has been to host such a large pōwhiri in the first year for operations. Ana says belief from leaders at Massey has been instrumental. She highlights the attendance of an influential guest speaker, Massey’s Dame Farah Palmer, Ngāti Maniapoto, Waikato, Pou Ākonga Māori Student Success, and the hours contributed by Te Rau Tauawhi.

“The backing has been phenomenal. Without DVC Māori we wouldn’t have pulled yesterday off. Big accolades to them for helping us with the tikanga side of things.”

It’s provided a reference for future kaupapa too, with the pōwhiri showcasing the impacts of strengthened relationships.

“That was a real highlight, to see the Māori Student Association, DVC Māori and other Māori staff come together to welcome Māori students from the rest of the country.”