NGĀ MŌKAI O NGĀ WHETŪ
Founded in 2007, Ngā Mōkai O Ngā Whetū is the Aotearoa NZ Māori Dental Students’ Association, set up by tauira, for tauira, to help support and promote participation, development and success of all Māori students studying Oral health at University of Otago and AUT.
The association includes postgraduate and undergraduate students from all fields in Oral health, including Dentistry, Dental Specialities, Dental Therapy, Dental Hygiene, Dental Technology, Bachelor of Oral Health.
The logo above was designed by Raniera Ellison in 2016, and symbolises bringing things to fruition; being guided by the heavens in creating their will; moving in a way of peace; being aware of and catering to the spiritual and environmental, while also providing for the wider communities.
The objectives of Ngā Mōkai are set to enhance the whakawhanaungatanga between students and staff while maintaining the authenticity of Māori and integrity of both Universities to develop well academically but in an environment that caters for the individuality of Māori.
Our Kaupapa
Supporting Māori tauira across all dental-related study pathways
Providing 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 School(s) on oral health kaupapa
Current Activities
Attend as a key note speaker at mihi whakatau to welcome new students
Attend the Te Ao Mārama – Hui ā Tau and tauira noho
Attend key hui such as the biannual HSFY Māori Centre hui and clinical governance hui at the dental school (UoO)
Run regular executive hui, member hui, and annual AGM
- Host regular study wānanga and kai
Support future tauira through school tours and presentations
Celebrate Te Wiki o te Reo Māori and other kaupapa Māori events
Present graduating tauira with a tohu during graduation ceremony
Bring the year to a close with an end-of-year formal dinner