MAPmedics has established itself as a charitable organisation with the goal of supporting Māori and Pacific paramedicine students. The charity draws on expertise from multiple industries, including AUT, Hato Hone St John, and others. Although only recently formalised as a charity, MAPmedics has, for many years, provided a space for Māori and Pacific students to connect and learn in a meaningful setting.

Māori and Pacific people continue to face inequities in both healthcare and education. Increasing the Māori and Pacific health and paramedic workforce is crucial in addressing these inequities. MAPmedics plays a key role in supporting Māori and Pacific students throughout their educational and cultural journey while enrolled in the paramedicine programme.

MAPmedics is a predominantly student-led programme that follows a tuakana/teina (mentor/mentee) model, where students further along in their studies provide guidance and support to newer students.

The programme runs during academic weeks 2–12 in both semesters one and two. Throughout this period, we hold weekly two-hour sessions in the afternoon from 4–6 pm. The specific days vary each semester, depending on class schedules and the availability of AUT staff, Hato Hone St John, and other support personnel.

These sessions offer students the opportunity to connect through whanaungatanga, share kai (provided) and engage in studying, practicing and learning alongside fellow students, AUT staff, former paramedicine tauira and practising paramedics.

MAPmedics Manatōpū has yet to establish a long-term plan due to the ongoing changing demands and the need to incorporate MAPmedic tauira voices into future planning. However, this is something we intend to explore in the near future.