Eke Tangaroa is a significant cultural celebration that honours the academic success, perseverance, and journey of our Māori graduates.
Rooted in tikanga Māori and the values of manaakitanga and whanaungatanga, this ceremony provides a space where graduates can be acknowledged not only for their achievements within the university, but also for the strength and support of their whānau, hapū, and iwi who have walked alongside them.
Please read the following information carefully to ensure you are fully prepared.
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Graduation Eligibility
To participate in Eke Tangaroa, your qualification must be conferred.
If you’re unsure whether your qualification has been conferred, please contact:
Students whose qualifications have not been conferred are not eligible to attend.
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Registration
Registrations for the Eke Tangaroa celebration in August are not yet open.
All eligible graduates will be notified when registration opens, so please keep an eye on future communications for updates.
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Graduation Booklet
All graduates attending Eke Tangaroa will be listed in the official graduation booklet, along with their iwi affiliations.
Please ensure that the details you provided during registration (e.g. full name and iwi) are accurate, as these will be printed in the booklet.
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Important Checklist
- Check Your Graduation Status
Your qualification must be conferred. Unsure? Contact
- Notify Us of Changes
If you are no longer able to attend, please let us know as soon as possible.
- Stay Informed
Keep an eye on updates from UC Māori regarding event details and logistics.
- Academic Regalia
If you are not attending a faculty graduation but are participating in Eke Tangaroa or the Pacific Graduation Celebration, you must hire your regalia through . Be sure to indicate that you are attending Eke Tangaroa or the Pacific celebration only.
- Celebrate your success
Enjoy this moment and take pride in your academic achievements. We look forward to seeing you cross the Eke Tangaroa stage!
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Graduation Terms Explained
- Academic Regalia – The gown, hood, and trencher worn during graduation.
- Awarded – When a diploma is officially granted.
- Conferred – When a degree is officially granted.
- Testamur – The certificate received when your qualification is awarded or conferred.
- Graduand – A person eligible to graduate who has not yet had their qualification conferred.
- Graduate – A person whose qualification has been awarded or conferred.
- In Absentia – Graduation without attending the ceremony; your qualification is sent by mail.
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Contact Us
If you have any questions or require further support, please contact the UC Māori team:
Eke Panuku is a special welcome event for all new Māori students starting their journey at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of 91Ƶ.
“Eke Panuku” means to ascend with strength and success — and that’s what this event is all about. It’s an opportunity for you and your whānau to meet the UC Māori team, connect with other ākonga Māori, and learn more about the people and services here to support you as you begin your university haerenga.
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What to Expect
At Eke Panuku, you’ll:
- Meet our UC Māori team – including our Kaiurungi (Māori student advisors), who will walk alongside you throughout your studies.
- Learn about key support services – such as academic mentoring, scholarships, wellbeing, pastoral care, and cultural support.
- Connect with other new Māori students – helping you build your UC whānau from day one.
- Hear from current ākonga and staff – sharing insights and tips about student life at UC.
- Enjoy kai and manaakitanga – in a welcoming environment that reflects Te Ao Māori.
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Bring Your Whānau
We warmly welcome your whānau to attend Eke Panuku with you. This is an event for them too — their support has helped you reach this point, and they are a key part of your ongoing journey.
When registering, please make sure to book tickets for each whānau member attending.
Registrations for Eke Panuku 2026 will open early next year.
Keep an eye on your email and UC Māori communications for updates and instructions on how to register.
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Why Eke Panuku Matters
Starting university is a big step. Eke Panuku helps ensure that you don’t have to take that step alone. You’ll leave feeling more confident, connected, and ready to succeed — culturally, academically, and personally.
We’re here for you, every step of the way.
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Questions?
Feel free to contact the UC Māori team:
About Tōia Mai
Tōia Mai is a kaupapa led by UC Māori, in partnership with Te Akatoki, that gives ākonga Māori at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha the chance to take part in a full marae-based wānanga experience. The kaupapa is all about building whanaungatanga, sharing kōrero and local history, and strengthening connections to Ngāi Tahu marae and whenua.
2025 Wānanga
In 2025, Tōia Mai was held at Wairewa Marae, located in the takiwā of Ngāi Tahu. While the event has been held in previous years, this was the first one in a while and acted as a pilot for future wānanga.
The experience included an overnight stay at the marae, a pōwhiri, kōrero tuku iho, as well as a haerenga to culturally significant sites around Wairewa. The wānanga offered space for both first-time and returning marae-goers to connect with Te Ao Māori, the whenua, and each other.
Tōia Mai 2026
Make sure to check your student emails and follow UC Māori on social media for the latest updates. Registrations for Tōia Mai 2026 will open early next year, and with limited spaces available, we encourage all interested ākonga Māori to get in early and secure their spot in this special kaupapa.
