Whakapiki Ake
Te Whē
Te Whē is a one-day, immersive kaupapa designed to introduce Year 10 and Year 11 Māori students to real-world pathways in science, health, and related careers. Through interactive, hands-on learning in hospitals, universities, and laboratories, rangatahi engage with the people, environments, and ideas that shape these fields. This programme is delivered across three regions — Auckland, Tauranga, and Whakatāne — with each experience tailored to reflect that rohe unique educational and professional settings.
A Regional Learning Experience
Auckland – Hospital + University Environment (Years 10–11)
Based at the University of Auckland’s Grafton Campus, Auckland’s Te Whē kaupapa blends clinical and academic exposure. Rangatahi rotate through specialised workshops in Physics, Biology, Anatomy, Optometry and Vision Science, and Chemistry while visiting clinical settings like the Optometry & Vision Bus. Activities are supported by Māori staff, current tertiary students, and professional scientists, offering tauira insight into both university life and the health workforce.
Tauranga – Hospital-Based Science Immersion (Year 11)
In partnership with Tauranga Hospital, the Tauranga kaupapa places rangatahi in real clinical settings. Workshops may include hands-on skills such as IV lines, CPR, and wound care, alongside walkabouts through departments guided by local health professionals. Special involvement from services like St John Ambulance provides further exposure to emergency response and practical science in action.
Whakatāne – Regional Māori Health and Clinical Science (Year 11)
Delivered in partnership with Whakatāne Hospital and the Regional Māori Health Services, this kaupapa takes rangatahi into the heart of Māori-led healthcare. Students explore clinical spaces like the Emergency Department, participate in science-based workshops, and meet Māori professionals across various departments. All activities are grounded in cultural leadership, supported by kaumātua and staff with lived connections to the community.
Pathway to Future Study and Careers
Te Whē builds a foundation for Māori tauira to see themselves in future-focused roles, from Medical science and nursing to allied health and research. The kaupapa connects core curriculum subjects like science with culturally grounded career exploration. Regional partnerships with Bay of Plenty DHB, University of Auckland, Kia Ora Hauora, and local Māori health services ensure that each tauira leaves with a clearer sense of where their education can lead and who will support them.
Te Whē Testimonials
“Even if you’re not looking to go into a health science career, the course is still very interesting. It explains lots of different subject pathways which is really helpful. It’s always good to have lots of people with basic first aid knowledge in case of an emergency. I think it really helped to build my confidence too.”
Year 10 from Tauranga Girls College
“I enjoyed all of it but liked doing the IV injections into the dummy the most. It has made me interested in health and to help people by wanting to become a doctor. I want to study health to be a doctor.”
Year 10 from Te Wharekura O Mauao
“The objective is to highlight health career opportunities to rangatahi and provide them with an opportunity to meet health professionals from all different specialties.”
Bay of Plenty District Health Board Kia Ora Hauora
“Invited to the Whakapiki Ake – Te Whē programme, where 4 of our Year 11 students looked at health careers at the University of Auckland. They were fascinated by the Whakaaro Pai, Medical Sciences Learning Centre and found learning about Optometry – a career which combines physics and health, good work-life balance and a great salary. It was a good taster for what they might learn if they choose to study health.”
Year 11 from Otahuhu College
“The visit to the rescue helicopter and learning about the emergency response was a highlight for me. It’s sparked an interest in paramedicine I didn’t know I had.”
Year 11 from Otumoetai College