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Supporting kura kaupapa Māori students into university life

Lilly Eckhold is breaking through barriers as a student from a kura kaupapa Māori background and the first of her whānau to go to university.

Kiliona Tamati-Tupa’i (left) and Lilly Eckhold are studying at the University of Canterbury after graduating from kura kaupapa Māori immersion schools last year.

Lilly (Ngāi Tahu, Waikato) says it’s a big adjustment coming to a large institution from a kura kaupapa in Tāmaki-makau-rau Auckland. “Having to wrap my head around mainstream education and the language has been a bit of a bumpy road,” she admits. “I’m enjoying it, but it’s challenging.

“This is what us kura kids have to open up to when we join mainstream education. There is a culture change there, but I’ve been sticking close to my mates and getting support from UC staff.”

The 18-year-old is motivated by her family and being the first to enrol at university. “If I was to let myself down, I’d also be letting my family down too so that’s giving me the urge to push forward. I wouldn’t want them to be disappointed with me.”

She chose to come to Ōtautahi Christchurch to be closer to extended family here, while also living away from home. She is studying towards a Bachelor of Commerce and wants to work in multicultural events management when she graduates.

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