Te Rōpū Māori is the Māori Student’s Association at the Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka. TRM strive to represent the interests of tauira Māori at the University, with the ultimate aim of creating a kāinga rua: a home away from home on campus. They run many events across the year ranging from social sports, kapa haka, Te Hokai our annual Māori ball, te reo classes, Marae trips, study nights and numerous social activities. TRM is governed by the student executive Te Rito, who are elected by tauira every year.
Ngātiki Taylor - Co-Tumuaki
Kia ora e te whānau! He uri tēnei nō Ngāti Mutunga, Ngāi Tahu anō hoki. Ko Ngātiki tōku ingoa. Ki au te tumuaki takirua o te Rōpū Māori i tēnei tau. Chur, my name is Ngātiki, and I’m proud to be one of the Tumuaki Takirua (Co-Presidents) for Te Rōpū Māori in 2025, alongside Porourangi Templeton-Reedy. I was born and raised in the beautiful yet small Tūranganui-a-Kiwa, and now find myself here with the immense privilege of representing and advocating for tauira Māori. I’m excited for all the incredible kaupapa we have planned for this year and keen to meet some new faces!
Porourangi Templeton-Reedy - Co-Tumuaki
Mauri ora e te whānau. He uri au nō Ngāti Porou, Ngāi Tūhoe me Tainui hoki. Ko Porourangi Templeton-Reedy tōku ingoa. E ako ana au i te tohu kairangi i mātauranga Māori. I tēnei tau, ko au tētahi Tumuaki Takirua o Te Rōpū Māori! This year I have the privilege of being one of your Co-Presidents for TRM. I’ve played this game for a while so I'm pretty good at it. TRM has provided me some of the best memories during my time here so I'm pretty much looking to give back to the whānau. Like, share, follow, subscribe to our socials! E mihi ana – Pou.
Liam Beckham - Co-Kaiwhakahaere Kaupapa
Chur! I am the Co-Kaiwhakahaere Kaupapa (events officer) of Te Rōpū Māori for 2025 and I'm super excited to bring some meanage events your way, whānau. Fun, chill, drink, no drink, food, no food (ayeee that’s not happening) but anyways we’ve got some cool stuff planned for 2025 so get on the bus, whānau. Don't be afraid to show up because I'm definitely gonna show out for y'all. Te Rōpū Māori ki te ao blehh.
Tamaarangi Te Rei Tuuta - Co-Kaiwhakahaere Kaupapa
E te iwi, kia ora! I am the Co-Kaiwhakahaere Kaupapa for 2025, and I am excited to be bringing us some awesome kaupapa. Whānau, at the end of the day, it’s the tauira who steer the direction of the waka, so if you wish to see something happen or have ideas to share, don’t be shy – this space is for you! But I also understand that some of our tauira just want to sit back and enjoy the ride, so don’t worry – Liam and I have already charted a course with some exciting kaupapa on the horizon. Toia mai te waka, te waka TRM folks!
Sami Harrison - Āpiha Mātauranga
Mauri ora e te iwi! Ko Sami ahau, he uri tenei nō Te Tai Tokerau, Ngati Ruanui me
Ngati Maru ki Hauraki ano hoki and I am the Āpiha Matauranga for Te Rito 2025!
Growing up between Whanganui and Te Hāwera, I graduated Whanganui Collegiate
School in 2022 and am now starting my third year of my Bachelor of Science,
majoring in Neuroscience. The four pou that strengthen my whare are kapa haka,
whānau and friends, music, and learning. Like my team, I am very excited to
whakapiki and tautoko the academic achievements of tauira Māori and create
#academicweapons2025!
Taylin Timu - Kaipāpāho Matua
Kia ora koutou! I’m Taylin Timu, your Kaipāpāho Matua for Te Rito 2025. My role is about keeping our Māori student whānau connected, informed, and inspired. From hyping up your achievements to sharing important updates and events, I’m here to ensure our voice is strong and proud across campus. Whether through creative content, celebrating successes, or getting important kōrero out there, I’ll be working to represent us in the best way possible. Let’s make this year unforgettable, filled with meaningful connections, big wins, and moments that truly showcase who we are! Kia pai tō koutou rā!
Nuhaka Maitai - Kaihāpai
Kia ora! I am the Kaihāpai for this year and I am looking forward to struggling just as much as I'll be enjoying the role. A tiny bit about me: I was born and raised in South Auckland and whakapapa to different iwi that are in Auckland and not – on my mum’s side (Ngāti Whātua, Waiohua, Tainui) and on my dad’s side (Ngāti Kahungunu). I am excited to see even more new faces as the new tauira are coming in this year. If you wanted a whole spiel about who I am, you're out of luck – I would recommend coming to events hosted by Te Rōpū Māori instead where you can ask me in person. Chur!
Aliyah Tautuhi-Fraser - Kaiwhakahaere
Mauri ora e te iwi! I am, the kaiwhakahaere for Te Rōpū Māori, working closely with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor office. So in simple terms, Te Rito is my boss! I handle the administrative and logistical side of things for TRM and am excited to be involved in the many kaupapa we offer. Please feel free to pop in for a coffee and a chat anytime – I’m always keen to meet and connect with our tauira Māori. Ngā mihi – Aunty Liyah x