Iti Kōpara – AUT Schools Partnership Programme

Iti Kōpara – AUT Schools Partnership Programme is a free initiative dedicated to walking alongside schools, communities and Māori and Pacific students to grow students' confidence in reaching their goals and achieve greater University Entrance success. The students' strengths and abilities have been recognised by their school, and this programme will help them expand their skills, discover new opportunities, and unlock a bright and successful future.

"He iti kōpara e pīoi ana I te tihi o te kahikatea."
Even the small bellbird can sway the mighty kahikatea
_{About this whakataukī}

The programme is offered by Auckland University of Technology (AUT), Aotearoa New Zealand's leading modern university and one of the largest in the country; renowned for its innovative approach, diverse culture, practical learning experiences and strong industry connections.

Photos of our recent pōwhiriNgā whakaahua nō te pōwhiri o nā noa nei

What to expect from Iti KōparaTāu ka whai i Iti Kōpara

Students chosen for Iti Kōpara will receive three years of dedicated support, spanning from Year 11 to Year 13. They will participate in on-campus AUT events and in-school sessions, each tailored to their year level to boost NCEA performance, equip them for university study and lay the foundation for their future career.

Benefits of participating in this programmeNgā hua o te whai wāhi mai ki tēnei hōtaka

Our team of experts will support and empower students to achieve their future career aspirations. We meet students where they are; recognising their unique strengths, interests and whānau support as key to their educational support.

Students in the programme will:

• Connect with students and AUT staff, working together towards a shared vision of success
• Gain inspiration and advice from university students and graduates who share their own stories
• Receive personalised mentoring and coaching from in-school teachers and AUT advisors as students navigate Year 11 to 13
• Access NCEA academic workshops to build skills for university and prepare for their career
• Explore diverse career pathways to shape their future
• Earn a free AUT course upon completing the full programme

Hear from other students about university studyWhakarongo ki ngā kōrero a ngā tauira e pā ana ki te ako i te whare wānanga

Ledwina Katuke

Cook Island Māori
Bachelor of Health Science
(Former Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate student)

“I aspire to pursue a career in a Pacific-based healthcare setting where I can work towards improving Māori and Pacific health. The Bachelor of Health Science aligns perfectly with my passion for promoting community health and offering a versatile foundation for addressing health challenges. The vibrant student life at AUT has been another highlight, offering a perfect balance between academics and social engagement. AUT’s emphasis on a supportive and inclusive community fosters meaningful connections; making me feel part of something larger.”

Phoenix Petelo

Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi, Samoa
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Biological Science
(Former De La Salle College student)

“I’ve always wanted to understand how things work. I chose the Bachelor of Science because I wanted to understand everything there is to science. I’ve found that AUT handles a great balance between theoretical and practical, which makes my studies most enjoyable. I’d absolutely recommend studying at AUT – the university offers a great mix of practical and academic learning, along with strong support systems that help students succeed both personally and professionally.”

Fine Na’akakala ‘E Moala Aholelei

Tonga
Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Social Sciences, Master of Education
(Former Auckland Girls' Grammar School student)

“I felt drawn to furthering my education to help restructure the ways in which our education system can ensure no child is left behind. I’m hoping to either take up a career pathway in public policy within the Ministry of Education or become a youth worker. For me, AUT isn’t just a university; it honestly was a second chance for my 18-year-old self who didn’t know what she wanted to do with her life.”

Kalen Chase

Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāphui, Taranaki Tuturu
Bachelor of Education (Primary Pasifika Teaching)
(Former James Cook High School student)

“From as young as I can remember, teaching has always been my dream career. I wanted to be in a position where I can guide, support and encourage the tamariki of Aotearoa and be an example that anyone can turn their dreams into reality. From the day I first enquired about my possibility of studying at AUT to my very last day behind a computer screen, the staff and wider student community at AUT supported, encouraged and pushed me to achieve great things.”

Longo Matangi

Ngā Rauru, Tonga
Bachelor of Health Science in Health Management
(Former Ōtāhuhu College student)

“As a Pasifika woman, my passion lies within the Pasifika and Māori communities, and ensuring that we can meet equitable and positive health outcomes. I chose health management as it covered both health and business aspects, which enables me to keep an open mind throughout my career. If I want to work with patients or clients, I can do this. If I want to work in HR or in a corporate environment, my degree also allows me to do so.”

Tanvi Narayan

Fijian Indian
Bachelor of Arts in Event Management & Bachelor of Business in Finance conjoint programmes
(Former Ormiston Senior College student)

“I’ve always been interested in event management. I kept my parents happy by studying finance while also keeping myself happy by studying events; something that is definitely my passion. The two introductory courses I took on entrepreneurship and innovation were honestly life-changing as they taught me how to think outside the box. It sparked the idea for a not-for-profit company, which is something I’m really passionate about and would like to make a reality one day.”

Esther Sarah Fanene

Samoa
Bachelor of Business in Marketing with a minor in Event Management
(Former Kelston Girls' College student)

“AUT offers a wide range of subjects and elective courses you can include in your degree, so I could tailor my studies to match my interests and career goals. In the beginning of the programme, I completed four core courses, which gave me an understanding of the business world and helped me decide which subjects excite me. I’d definitely recommend AUT’s Bachelor of Business to others as business skills tie into various career paths like hospitality and tourism, law, media and communications, retail, healthcare management, non-profit organisations or social enterprise.”