Te Puna Manaaki Support for Māori & Pasifika learners
Our friendly team of Kaimanaaki offers culturally grounded support for ākonga Māori & Pasifika. We’re here to help our ākonga thrive and feel at home on campus. With a warm, welcoming approach, we offer a range of cultural, pastoral, and academic services, all tailored to meet your needs.
Our tari is a safe space for you to drop in and discuss any support you might need. You can find us in Te Puna Mātauranga - M124 on our Nelson Campus and in the Student Centre at Marlborough Campus. We also regularly visit the Woodbourne and Richmond Campuses.
Te Puna Manaaki services
| Ways we can support you | External providers we work with |
|
|
Whakapā mai - Get in touch
Email tepunamanaaki@nmit.ac.nz and a Kaimanaaki will be in touch.
Meet the team |
|---|
Ren Stronach
Ngātiawa, Ngāti Hauiti | Kaimanaaki
Mauri ora ki a tātou, Ko Ren ahau. I’m a Kaimanaaki, ākonga and māmā and am really passionate about all things Māori. My focus is finding the best ways for our team to support you on your learning journey. We provide a whānau support network here on campus and aim to make you feel welcome, connected, at home, and supported while you are here with us. From a cup of tea and a catch-up to study support, we are keen to connect, get to know you, and see where we can help.
‘Nāku te rourou, nāu te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi.’
Kim Ireland
Te Arawa | Kaimanaaki
Tēna koutou katoa, Ko Kim ahau. I am a Kaimanaaki - Māori Support Advisor from Te Arawa, and have lived in Whakatū and Motueka since 2012. I have a background in the arts, kaupapa Māori research, academic writing, and referencing. I am a graduate of NMIT and currently completing a Masters in Māori Visual Arts through Massey University. I really enjoy the whanaungatanga and reciprocal learning that comes from walking alongside tauira.
Sue Stephens
Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Porou | Kaimanaaki
E rau rangatira mā, tēnā koutou, I am extremely privileged to work alongside our ākonga. My role is to manaaki and tautoko ākonga in all aspects of their study to achieve their academic, cultural, and personal goals. I tautoko with a range of study skills such as academic writing and research, APA referencing, scholarships, StudyLink applications, and hardship advocacy. E hari ana e koa ana te ngakau ki te manaaki me te tautoko i o rātou huarahi mātauranga. I am absolutely excited to be part of their learning journey. “Poipoia te kakano, kia puāwai” – Nurture the seed and it will blossom.
Hayley Pouanga
Social Worker
Kia ora koutou, I am Hayley, a Social Worker at NMIT. My role is to provide support and advocacy to ākonga who may be facing challenges or experiencing difficulties. I work closely with students to ensure they have the necessary resources and support to thrive in their studies and personal lives. I believe in empowering students to reach their full potential and helping them navigate any barriers they may encounter.
