How Māori and/or Pacific do you have to be to attend MAPmedics?

MAPmedics welcomes all with Māori or Pasifika whakapapa!

The saying, ‘No matter how much milk you add to the tea, it’s still tea,’ reminds us that your identity isn’t defined by percentages, fractions or measures or the idea of blood quantum—if you whakapapa Māori or Pasifika, you are Māori and/or Pasifika!

Is MAPmedics for Māori and Pasifika that are struggling?

MAPmedics supports all Māori and Pasifika who aspire to excel academically, culturally, pastorally and spiritually—not just those facing challenges. Many MAPmedics tauira are high achievers, often graduating with academic distinction or earning multiple awards.

I am struggling with paramedicine content but I am not Māori or Pacific, can I attend MAPmedics?

Unfortunately, MAPmedics is not solely a support space for those struggling academically, as it is designed for all Māori and Pasifika seeking to thrive. If you need extra academic support, we recommend reaching out to AUT paramedicine lecturers, student mentors or the AUT Student Paramedics Association for additional tutorials and guidance.

As a Māori and/or Pasifika student, why should I attend MAPmedics?

MAPmedics offers a valuable opportunity to connect with other Māori and Pasifika tauira studying paramedicine, as well as ex-MAPmedics tauira and practising Māori and Pasifika paramedics. It provides a culturally safe environment where whakawhanaungatanga and learning can take place — with plenty of kai. This space has enabled Māori and Pasifika tauira to be authentic in their identity and thrive as Māori and Pasifika. Those who regularly engage with MAPmedics often experience success culturally, academically and spiritually.

I'm scared to attend a weekly MAPmedics session, can I bring a friend?

We understand that trying something new can be daunting, but please don’t feel whakamā. Our rōpū is friendly and welcoming, with no commitment to attend weekly. If you come once or twice to check it out and decide it’s not for you, that’s completely fine—ka pai!

If you want to attend but feel nervous about coming alone, you’re welcome to bring a friend. While MAPmedics is designed to support Māori and Pacific students, if you have one friend who does not identify as Māori or Pacific but will support you in engaging with us, they are welcome to join you while you find your feet.

Do I have to be Māori or Pacific to attend MAPmedics?

Māori identity is defined by whakapapa to any iwi or hapū within Aotearoa New Zealand. Those of Moriori descent are equally welcome.

For Pasifika, ‘Indigenous Pacific’ refers to the indigenous peoples of Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, the Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau, Fiji (iTaukei), Rotuma, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Palau, the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Wallis and Futuna, Hawai’i, French Polynesia, and Rapa Nui (Easter Island).

The term ‘indigenous’ means “the people inhabiting or existing in a land from the earliest times or from the arrival of colonists.”