Ngā Mōkai O Ngā Whetū

Te wāhi kōrero mō ngā tauira

A dedicated space for Ngā Mōkai o Ngā Whetū tauira to connect, share whakaaro, start conversations and stay involved with the wider student community. Post updates, ask questions, comment, and kōrero with other tauira across Aotearoa.

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Tauira · Students

Founded in 2007, Ngā Mōkai o Ngā Whetū is the Aotearoa NZ Māori Dental Students' Association — set up by tauira, for tauira, to support and promote the participation, development and success of all Māori students studying oral health at the University of Otago and AUT. The association includes postgraduate and undergraduate students across dentistry, dental specialties, dental therapy, dental hygiene, dental technology, and the Bachelor of Oral Health.

Its objectives enhance whakawhanaungatanga between students and staff while maintaining the authenticity of Māori and the integrity of both universities — so tauira develop academically in an environment that caters for the individuality of Māori.

The kaupapa

Supporting Māori tauira across all dental-related study pathways
Mentoring and guidance through the Tuakana–Teina programme
Encouraging academic success, leadership, and skill development
Creating opportunities to connect with wider health professionals across all years
Offering Māori perspectives and guidance to the dental schools on oral health kaupapa

Current activities

Keynote speaker at mihi whakatau to welcome new students
Attending Te Ao Mārama Hui-ā-tau and tauira noho
Attending key hui — the biannual HSFY Māori Centre hui and clinical governance hui at the dental school (UoO)
Regular executive hui, member hui, and the annual AGM
Regular study wānanga and kai
Supporting future tauira through school tours and presentations
Celebrating Te Wiki o te Reo Māori and other kaupapa Māori events
Presenting graduating tauira with a tohu during the graduation ceremony
Closing the year with an end-of-year formal dinner

Ngā Mōkai O Ngā Whetū ki Ōtepōti

University of Otago Student Committee 2026

Georgia Isabella Long

Ngāti Te Rangi, Ngāti Pūkenga — BDS4

Daniel Hogn Hiroti

Ngā Wairiki me Ngāti Apa, Te Ātihaunui-a-pāpārangi — BDS3

Krystal Marie Forsman

Ngāti Wai, Ngāti Porou — BOH3

Grace Manihera

Ngāti Wairere, Ngāti Mahuta — BDS5

Ashlee Waikawa

Tūhoe, Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Kahungunu ki te Wairoa — BDS4

Josiah Metekingi

Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāpuhi, Tainui, Ngāi Tahu — BDS4

Rico Valentine Thompson

Ngāti Porou — DTEC2

Elise Mereana Gilbert

Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga, Tūwharetoa, Tainui — BDS3

Scholarships · Karahipi

Funding your study

Many organisations, tertiary institutions, government agencies, and iwi trusts offer scholarships specifically for Māori students — all it takes is submitting an application. Eligibility criteria vary, but the effort is well worth it: financial support lets you focus on what truly matters, your education and personal growth. Scholarships are available at all levels, from secondary school through undergraduate and postgraduate study. Please also explore the funding opportunities available through your own iwi and hapū.

Dental & health scholarships

Undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships available

General Māori scholarships

Six awards: three undergraduate ($10,000/yr, up to 5 yrs), one masters ($15,000/yr), one doctoral ($25,000/yr, final 24 months), one Manakura ($30,000)