#justice: AUT’s Uni 101 Programme Aims to Strengthen Pathways for Māori and Pacific Law Students

A new initiative at Auckland University of Technology is seeking to reshape how Māori and Pacific students, first-in-whānau learners and those returning to study experience the transition into university, with a strong focus on confidence, connection and long-term success.

Led by Professor Khylee Quince, Dean of Law and a leading voice in criminal and youth justice, the Uni 101 course has been developed to provide a culturally grounded entry point into tertiary education. The programme reflects a long-standing commitment to improving outcomes for Māori and Pacific students, particularly in fields such as law and justice where representation remains a critical issue.

The course is designed to address one of the most significant barriers to success in higher education: the transition itself. For many tauira, particularly those who are the first in their whānau to attend university or who are returning after time away, the initial experience can be overwhelming. Uni 101 seeks to remove that barrier by creating an environment where students are supported academically, culturally and socially from the outset.

Central to the programme is the development of core academic skills and habits, including critical thinking, legal writing, time management and effective study practices. Alongside this, there is a strong emphasis on building confidence — not just in academic ability, but in navigating university systems and spaces.

Whanaungatanga sits at the heart of the course, with a deliberate focus on fostering relationships among students, staff and mentors. This collective approach is intended to ensure tauira feel a sense of belonging, rather than isolation, as they begin their studies.

The learning environment is further strengthened by the involvement of experienced leaders and practitioners. Figures such as Kiri Turketo, alongside guest contributors including members of the judiciary, help to provide real-world context and inspiration. Their presence reinforces the message that pathways into law and justice are achievable, while also offering practical insight into the profession.

For many students, seeing people with shared backgrounds succeeding in these spaces plays a crucial role in shaping their own aspirations. The programme aims to bridge the gap between education and opportunity, making those pathways more visible and accessible.

Looking ahead, Uni 101 is being positioned as more than a single course. There is an expectation that its success could influence wider change within the law school and beyond, particularly in how institutions design programmes to support equity and inclusion.

The long-term goal is to embed approaches that recognise the diverse realities of students, ensuring that Māori and Pacific learners are not only welcomed into university, but are set up to thrive. If successful, the pilot has the potential to reshape how tertiary institutions across Aotearoa approach student engagement, retention and achievement.

As the programme begins to take shape, it reflects a broader shift toward education models that are grounded in culture, community and connection, with the aim of delivering outcomes that extend well beyond the classroom.