Tuākana science mentors test new skills at Pūtaiao Research Symposium.

Ka pū te ruha, ka hao te Rangatahi – When the old net is cast aside, the new net goes fishing.

The newly launched Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland Tuākana Science programme was put to the test at the recent Pūtaiao Research Symposium in Whāngarei on 4-5 September. Co-designer Darlene Cameron (Te Aupōuri, Ngāti Kurī), Kaitiaki and Team Leader for Māori and Pacific Learning and Teaching Development, says tauira (students) who successfully completed the 12 week course earlier this year, did the University proud. The course equipped them with practical tools and cultural knowledge, to help successfully navigate university life; they were also introduced to marae protocol.