Whāriki - Māori weaving.

Whakapiki Ake
Hui ā Kura

Hui ā Kura (Years 9–11) opens doors for Māori students to discover their strengths and future potential in health sciences. Our July to September workshops blend cultural knowledge with hands-on learning, creating an environment where students can explore who they are and where they might go.

Interactive workshop activities

Taking Up the Challenge!

Through interactive workshops filled with hands-on activities and meaningful kōrero, and free giveaways, we provide the tools to navigate self-belief and determination, to raise the aspirations of rangatahi Māori. We challenge rangatahi to develop their ways of thinking to become better learners and consider how their choices impact their engagement and achievement at kura. We emphasise the value of pure science subjects to keep options open and inform kaitiakitanga practices—for future Māori health professionals, exposure to pure science subjects at high school is highly recommended. Through staying connected, maximising time, and embracing new opportunities, rangatahi can thrive and grow. Whakapiki Ake are very keen to meet any new rangatahi Māori to welcome to the whānau. Nau mai, haere mai! Whether you are looking to learn, connect, or simply hang out, this is your chance to embark on an epic journey full of possibilities!

Discover your Why!

We invite you to come on a journey to explore whakapapa, whakawhanaungatanga, and kaitiakitanga. Exploring your cultural identity is a key part of building a strong foundation for success, and understanding who you are and where you come from is a taonga passed down to us from our tūpuna. By working together, we can learn how to harness the mātauranga within our whakapapa to overcome the challenges we face and achieve our dreams. Being Māori is being you, and we know we must strive to be the best Māori we can be every day. Only then can we undertake our role as kaitiaki in order to look after our pepeha for future generations. This is your time—step into your potential and embrace the incredible opportunities ahead!

Hui-ā-Kura Whakapiki Ake Early Exposure
Whakapiki Ake students participating in an Early Exposure Workshop for Māori tikanga.

Early Exposure Testimonials

“Helped me understand who I am and what I can do.” – Year 9 from Katikati College

“Helped me realise I need to get my head in the game. To go out there and find it. To make me think about what I’m going to do and where I’m headed and how to get there.” – Year 11 from Ngā Taiatea Wharekrua

“Participating in this programme was a game-changer for me. It opened my eyes to the different careers in the health sector. I feel much more confident about my future career path.” – Year 11 from James Cook High School

“I learnt something new and have a solid idea of my career path.” – Year 10 from Trident High School

“Whakapiki Ake helped me think about myself and why I come to school, this also helped me think outside the box.” – Year 9 from Te Puke High School