MAI ki Waikato

MAI ki Waikato exists to uplift and nurture its aspiring Māori and Indigenous scholars, creating a thriving community where tauira are supported to excel both academically and personally. Grounded in panekiritanga (excellence), whanaungatanga (relationships), and manaakitanga (care), we provide an environment where scholars can grow their research, strengthen connections, and be celebrated for the rangahau they are weaving into the world.

At its heart, MAI ki Waikato is more than a programme, it is a whānau. A place where Māori PhD students can find inspiration, encouragement, and the assurance that they are never walking this journey alone.

 Specifically the MAI ki Waikato programme provides:
Tuhituhi Retreats – weeklong writing retreats at inspiring locations across Waikato, with all accommodation and kai provided.

• Research Skills Workshops – targeted sessions delivered by expert Teaching & Learning advisors to strengthen research skills.
• Monthly Writing Days – held at Te Kohinga Mārama Marae on our Kirikiriroa campus, offering dedicated space and support for writing.
• Kairangi Kōrero & Kawhe – an “in-person podcast” style series where tauira engage with Waikato’s leading Māori scholars.
• Nau MAI ki Waikato Gatherings – relaxed quarterly events welcoming new Māori PhD candidates, building key connections from the outset.
• Tukuna Kia Rere 3MK – our own Māori-centred Three Minute Thesis like competition, celebrating the ground-breaking rangahau of our tauira.
• MAI Hui-ā-tau – full funding to attend the national MAI annual hui.
• Conference & Wānanga Support – funding opportunities to present and participate in Indigenous research-focused events, conferences, and gatherings both in Aotearoa and across the globe, e.g. ITIKI, IIRC, INIHKD, WIPCE.
• Academic Career Pathways – guidance and access to programmes such as Pike Ake and Te Kei, delivered by Te Kāhui Amokura at Universities New Zealand, designed to support Māori postgraduate students in transitioning to academic careers and further developing leadership capabilities within New Zealand universities.
• Pastoral & Academic Support – wide-ranging connections to ensure tauira are cared for, encouraged, and resourced at every step.