Waikato Locals

Living at home or flatting? Build a sense of community with Waikato Locals. A free six-week mentorship programme for first-year undergraduate students living off-campus.

local student ambassadors walking field

How it works

More than a campus - this is your community.

We’re here to help you find your feet, meet your people, and feel right at home from day one. Waikato Locals runs for the first six weeks of the semester and consists of two components:

  • Social Activities: Fun, weekly activities bringing students together to connect and take a break from the books.

  • Tautoko te Teina: A peer-mentor programme where experienced students (Tuakana) guide you through the transition to uni life.

Interested in Waikato Locals?

Register your interest

Get involved and get connected

Waikato Locals is all about finding your place in university life. Our coordinator has lined up a calendar of free, social activities where you can explore campus, meet new people, and settle into campus life.

Whether you want to come to every event or just drop in when you can, we can’t wait to see you there.

The big launch: Welcome & HQ opening

Kick off your Waikato Locals journey on Sunday 22 February at 6pm in the WSU Basement.


We’ll start the evening with a karakia and whakawhanaungatanga - nothing too formal, just a friendly way to welcome everyone into the space and set the tone for 2026. It’s about creating a sense of community.


From there, you will meet the awesome staff behind Waikato Locals. There will be fun icebreaker activities to support you in meeting new people and start building connections within your Waikato Locals whānau.


Plus, we are providing free pizza, the best way to start any university adventure.

Social activities calendar

Date Activity Meeting point
22 February Welcome and HQ opening WSU Basement
23 - 27 February Orientation week. Meet up daily to head to events (like the Pōwhiri) together. WSU Basement
4 March Board games and kai night Guru Lounge (WSU)
5 March Movie Night Guru Lounge (WSU)
10 March Quiz Night Guru Lounge (WSU)
17 March Sport Day TBC
24 March Cultural Kai Night Guru Lounge (WSU)
2 April Wrap-Up WSU Basement
Every Thursday (starting 12 March) Study Cafe Guru Lounge (WSU)

Tautoko te Teina

Support from someone who’s been there.

Based on the values of manaakitanga (care) and whanaungatanga (connection), Tautoko te Teina pairs you with an experienced student (a Tuakana) to help you navigate your first five weeks.

It follows the Tuakana-Teina model, a traditional Māori way of learning where someone with more experience supports and guides a newcomer. In short: you’ll have a buddy who knows the ropes.

How do I join?

You can opt in to the Tautoko te Teina programme when you register for Waikato Locals. Signing up is optional but highly recommended. You'll be placed in a small group of 8-10 students who are studying similar subjects. Your group and Tuakana Leader will pick a time and place to meet that suits everyone.

Tautoko Te Teina Programme Outline

Date Theme
2 - 6 March

Finding your way around campus and settling in.
9 - 13 March

Study skills and the importance of rest.
16 - 20 March

Building social connections and community.
23 - 27 March

Money tips and eating well on a budget.
30 - 3 April

Understanding self-care.
Grace H

Introducing Grace

Your Waikato Locals coordinator. Grace is here to guide you through the six‑week mentorship program helping newcomers settle into university life, build lasting connections, and thrive in their academic journey.