Founded in 2007, Ngā Mōkai O Ngā Whetū is the Aotearoa NZ Māori Dental Students' Association, set up by tauira, for tauira, to help support and promote participation, development and success of all Māori students studying Oral health at University of Otago and AUT.

The association includes postgraduate and undergraduate students from all fields in Oral health, including Dentistry, Dental Specialities, Dental Therapy, Dental Hygiene, Dental Technology, Bachelor of Oral Health.

Our logo was designed by Raniera Ellison in 2016, and symbolises bringing things to fruition; being guided by the heavens in creating their will; moving in a way of peace; being aware of and catering to the spiritual and environmental, while also providing for the wider communities.

The objectives of Ngā Mōkai are set to enhance the whakawhanaungatanga between students and staff while maintaining the authenticity of Māori and integrity of both Universities to develop well academically but in an environment that caters for the individuality of Māori.

Our objectives

• Provide peer support to all Māori students interested in dental related fields.
• Provide mentors for new and graduating dental students through the Te Kaiārahi programme.
• To make a contribution to and awhi dental excursions, events, ventures and skill development of our members.
• To give students the opportunity to liase and network with other health professionals.
• To provide the Dental School with guidance when asked on Māori matters pertaining to oral Health.

2024 exec members:

Tūmuaki (President): Phoebe Skinner - Ngāti Ranginui

Tūmuaki Tuarua (Vice President): Breanna Jansen - Te Arawa

Kaituhi (Secretary): Charlie Douglas - Whakatōhea

Kaitiaki Putea (Treasurer): KC Treanor - Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Tuwharetoa, Ngāpuhi

BOH Kaiwhakahaere (BOH rep): Tui-Aroha Fransen - Kāi Tahu, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō, Te Aupōuri,

Kaiwhakahaere Mātauranga (Education Rep): Akuira Whaanga - Ngāti Ranginui, Te Arawa, Ngāti Awa, Waikato-Tainui

Te Māngai Hangarau-ā-Niho (D-TECH rep): Divine Tahere - Ngāpuhi