Teia Kahura, Head Girl and Tarifa Laban, Deputy Head Girl Communications and Publicity were selected to attend this exciting opportunity at Otago University.

"Last week I was fortunate enough to be one of 20 Māori students from around NZ to attend the Otago University Nohoaka Pakihi/Business Bootcamp. This was an awesome opportunity for me to learn about the university, entrepreneurship and about Māori business frameworks - as well as meet some very inspirational Māori students, kaiako and CEO/Founders.
I hope some of this information is helpful, but let me know your thoughts!"
Otago uni Nohoaka pakihi description
Teia Kahura

"I was approached about an opportunity called the Pacific On-Campus Experience at Otago University. The experience would be a fully funded trip to the University, including flights, meals, activities and residential accommodation for two nights. As part of the application I had to submit 500 word essay on ‘My plan on how to achieve excellence at the end of the year.’

My application was successful and in May I joined 70 other curious and enthusiastic Pacific Year 13 students at Otago University in Dunedin. We attended presentations in lecture halls with experts talking about university life, the halls of residence, different courses to study and scholarships that are available. We did plenty of activities and met inspiring people who really gave us a feel for the university. My highlight was the second night dinner, where we dressed in our cultural wear, gave a two minute speech and did a performance with other students we were staying with us at our residential college. I made some great friends and had many laughs and am grateful to have been able to go down and expand my knowledge as I look to make a decision of choosing where to study for tertiary education.

When I first heard about the Pacific On-Campus Experience I wasn’t sure if I’d be successful and often I find this holds me back, as it does many young Pasifika females. The experience helped me in so many ways and regardless of whether I choose to study in Dunedin next year there will always be a part of me that will love the city, the University of Otago and the people."  Tarifa Laban