Category Archives: Equity and Diversity

Café Reo during Te Wiki o te Reo Māori

As Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week) approaches, we are thrilled to announce a special collaboration between Aotahi (School of Māori Indigenous Studies) and UC Māori that aims to bring us all together at Café Reo lead by Maria Cooper. This event is designed to provide a space for practicing and honing your te reo Māori skills, all while sharing delicious kai (food) and fostering a sense of connection.

This occasion also aligns with Mental Health Awareness Month, during which our focus is on cultivating meaningful connections.

Café Reo is more than just an event; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Māori language and engage in conversations. Set in the inviting and welcoming environment of Te Ao Marama, Café Reo is a regular 1-hour social connection class held every Tuesday afternoon. This inclusive gathering welcomes both tauira (students) and kaimahi (staff) with open arms, creating an atmosphere of unity and learning.

No prior experience is necessary to participate – whether you’re a seasoned speaker or just starting to explore the intricacies of the language, Café Reo is the perfect space to learn and grow together. Alongside the vibrant conversations, we’ll also be serving a delightful array of kai and hot inu (drinks).

If you’re curious or have any questions about this event, please don’t hesitate to reach out to stephenie.vandenanker@canterbury.ac.nz. We’re here to provide any information you need.

What are we doing for Mental Health Awareness?

Aotearoa New Zealand’s Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) is from 18 to 24 September 2023. This year, we have something special planned for our University community, as we encourage our students and staff to focus on the key role that mental health plays in our wellbeing.

Instead of concentrating on a single week, the UC Mental Health Awareness planning team is presenting a month of mental health awareness throughout September, dedicated to promoting the 5 ways of wellbeing.

Each week will focus on a specific aspect of wellbeing:

  • 4-8 September- Me ako tonu, Learn: Engage in activities that foster personal growth and expand your knowledge.
  • 11-15 September – Me whakawhanaunga, Connect: Build meaningful connections with others, both within our UC community and beyond.
  • 18-22 September – Me kori tonu, Be Active: Embrace physical activity and wellness to uplift your mind and body.
  • 25-29 September – Tukua, Give: Practice kindness and compassion by giving back to others and the community.
  • Throughout the entire month – Me aro tonu, Take Notice: Cultivate mindfulness and be present in the moment to appreciate the world around you.

The team has organized a range of events and has incorporated exciting things that are already happening during the month, all revolving around the five ways of wellbeing. We are offering a range of events to support our diverse community to get involved, try something new and connect with others.

For more information on what is available click here.
Follow UC and UCSA for event updates:
UC Wellbeing Instagram
UC Facebook
UC TikTok
UCSA Facebook
UCSA Instagram

Career Conversations – Join the Panel Discussion with and for Women & Non-binary People

Those who identify as women or non-binary people may experience unique challenges in their career journeys. Join us for a panel discussion with four inspirational and diverse speakers as they share stories about how they have navigated their careers. The purpose of this event is to create a safe space to share stories to gain insights from four-panel speakers for current UC students and graduates.

  • When: Tuesday 25 July
  • Time: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
  • Location: Te Moana 226, Rehua

REGISTER HERE

About the Speakers

Grace Schrader Manuera (she/her)

Grace is a beginning kaiako at Girls High. She has a passion for helping people, education and Te Ao Māori. During her study, Grace was active around campus, involved in the Kaiāwhina Moana Project, a tuākana for ākonga Māori, and as a tutor and mentor.

Chris Beardsley (she/her)

Chris is the director of Performance Matters Limited and has been consulting for 25 years after holding a variety of senior management roles after beginning her career in the education sector. She is skilled in conflict resolution, coaching, and facilitation.

Dr Hafsa Ahmed (she/her)

Hafsa, currently a lecturer at Lincoln University, has had a portfolio career that has included a range of projects and roles all contributing to her growth as a person. She was instrumental in establishing Lady Khadija Trust and is passionate about developing leadership skills in migrant communities.

Ari Nicholson (they/them)

Ari’s career has focused on community and youth development. They are the Senior Rainbow Advisor at UC as well as a restorative justice facilitator, an educator for The Collaborative Trust and an independent contractor. Beyond work, Ari is a parent and local Cantabrian.

See you there!

Ngā mihi nui,

Te Rōpū Rapuara | Careers