Indigenous and Māori Student Support and Cultural Centres in Australia and New Zealand

Indigenous and Māori cultures on campus

Australia and New Zealand both have rich First Peoples cultures that are recognised and respected on university campuses. In Australia these are the cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; in New Zealand (Aotearoa), Māori are the indigenous people (tangata whenua), and the Treaty of Waitangi is a foundational document that universities commonly reference in how they operate. As an international student you will encounter these cultures as part of everyday campus life — in welcomes, place names, signage and events. Engaging respectfully and curiously is welcomed and is a meaningful part of studying in these countries.

Dedicated support centres

Most Australian universities have an Indigenous education unit or centre supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students with study spaces, mentoring, tutoring and cultural community. New Zealand universities commonly have Māori student support and a Pacific (Pasifika) student support service, often with their own staff, advisors and gathering spaces. These centres exist primarily to support students of those communities. International students of Māori, Pasifika or relevant Indigenous heritage can ask whether and how they can connect — eligibility and services vary by university, so check the specific centre's page.

• Australia: Indigenous education unit/centre (mentoring, tutoring, study space)
• New Zealand: Māori student support service
• New Zealand: Pacific / Pasifika student support service
• Check each centre's page for who it serves and how to connect

Cultural protocols you may encounter

You may experience cultural practices at official events. In Australia, a 'Welcome to Country' is delivered by a Traditional Owner, while an 'Acknowledgement of Country' can be given by anyone to recognise the Traditional Custodians of the land. In New Zealand, a pōwhiri (formal welcome) or mihi whakatau may open events, and a karakia (a customary recitation) and waiata (song) are common. You are not expected to know every protocol. Following the lead of those around you, listening respectfully, and asking politely when unsure are all you need to participate appropriately.

• Australia — Welcome to Country (by a Traditional Owner) / Acknowledgement of Country
• New Zealand — pōwhiri or mihi whakatau (formal welcome), waiata (song)
• Stand, stay quiet and follow the group's lead during ceremonies
• Ask respectfully if you are unsure what to do

Engaging respectfully as an international student

All students are encouraged to learn about Indigenous and Māori cultures through cultural events, language basics, museum and campus exhibitions, and elective courses where available. Learning a few words — such as a greeting in Māori or the name of the local Aboriginal nation — shows respect and helps you connect. The guiding principle is to engage with curiosity and humility: attend open events, listen, and avoid treating cultural practices as novelty. Universities want international students to take part, and doing so deepens your experience of studying in Australia or New Zealand.

• Attend open cultural events and welcome ceremonies
• Learn a few respectful greetings and local place names
• Look for elective courses on Indigenous or Māori studies
• Engage with humility — listen first, ask politely