Schools Partnership Programme launched
AUT recently launched its inauguralSchools Partnership Programme, Iti kōpara* to provide pathways to higher education for priority Māori and Pasifika learners at seven Auckland secondary schools.
Focused on 10, Year 11 students from each school, the three-year pilot has been co-created with teachers and principals whom AUT staff will continue to work closely with for the duration of the programme.
AUT’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Damon Salesa says the partnership demonstrates the University’s commitment to providing opportunities for student communities where a need exists and to help prepare them for success in both their academic and professional futures.
“We know too many Māori and Pacific high school students are not able to fulfil their academic potential and make the most of their academic talent. And while we find talent everywhere, we know that opportunity isn’t.
“AUT is a place where talent meets opportunity and over the next three years our Schools Partnership Programme will provide 70 students with accessible and sustainable pathways to higher education,” he says.
Participating students will receive targeted academic and career-mapping support to empower them to achieve their full potential, gain a deeper understanding of tertiary education and career options and critical thinking skills.
While participation rates for Māori and Pacific communities have improved, there is still some way to go to ensure all New Zealanders are fulfilling their academic potential. In 2023, 21 percent of Māori and 18 percent of Pacific Island people have a degree qualification verses 37 percent of the general population. Ensuring our institution supports and encourages Māori and Pacific Island aspiration is an important part of setting New Zealand up to succeed.
AUT Lecturer Dr Toiroa Arapeta Williams says Iti kōpararepresents a significant opportunity for AUT to work together with schools to support Māori and Pasifika learners in their educational journey.
“I’m very proud to be part of this AUT kaupapa which at its heart is about providing support for valued members of the University’s wider Auckland school communities – support that has not previously existed,” he says.
Auckland Girls Grammar Principal, Ngaire Ashmore, says working alongside AUT on the collaborative programme has been an enriching experience for her central Auckland school community.
“It is significant that the University is investing in our students’ futures and it has been a very enriching experience for our students, their whānau and our staff to collaborate with AUT – we are all excited about the possibilities that lie ahead,” she says.
The seven schools in the programme include: Auckland Girls Grammar, De La Salle College, James Cook High School, Kelston Girls High School, Ormiston College, Otahuhu College and Sir Edmund Hilary Collegiate.
* "He iti kōpara e pīoi ana i te tihi o te kahikatea."
Even the small bellbird can sway the mighty kahikatea.
This whakataukī / proverb speaks to the bellbird learning how to fly. A small bellbird who strives to reach the topmost branch of the kahikatea tree will set it swaying. The proverb is about striving for the utmost reaches of one’s potential; it speaks to perseverance and capability.
Guided by this whakataukī / proverb, is a kaupapa for Māori and Pacific secondary school students navigating their journey toward university. Rooted in whakapapa, nourished by whanaungatanga, and uplifted by collective effort, this program empowers our rangatahi to grow wings, to take flight not only academically, but culturally, spiritually, and socially.