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.
How it works
More than a campus - this is your community.
We鈥檙e 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 three components:
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Social Activities: Fun, weekly activities bringing students together to connect and take a break from the books.
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Tautoko te Teina: A peer-mentor programme where experienced students (Tuakana) guide you through the transition to uni life.
- Wellbeing Coaching: one-on-one bookable sessions to provide student-centered support.
Ready to join Waikato Locals?
Social activities calendar
*Note: the social activities calendar for Trimester B 2026 will be announced soon!
| 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 P艒whiri) together. | WSU Basement |
| 10 March | Board Games & Kai Night | Guru Lounge (WSU) |
| 26 March | Drop-In Sport | UniRec |
| 1 April | Quiz Night & Wrap-Up | Guru Lounge (WSU) |
| Every Thursday (starting 12 March) | Study Cafe | Guru Lounge (WSU) |
Tautoko te Teina
Support from someone who鈥檚 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 M膩ori way of learning where someone with more experience supports and guides a newcomer. In short: you鈥檒l have a buddy who knows the ropes.
How do I join?
You are automatically enrolled in the Tautoko te Teina programme when you register for Waikato Locals. You can opt out of the programme, however, it is highly recommended you participate. You'll be placed in a small group of 10-12 students and will meet weekly at a time that suits your schedule.
Tautoko Te Teina Programme Outline
| Date | Theme |
| 13 - 17 July |
Finding your way around campus and settling in. |
| 20 - 24 July | UoW 101. |
| 27 - 31 July | Study skills and the importance of rest. |
| 3 - 7 August |
Building social connections and community. |
| 10 - 14 August |
Understanding self-care. |
Wellbeing Coaching
Built in pastoral care support.
Bookable one-on-one sessions with our team that provide support through strengths-based conversations helping you to navigate challenges and enhance your wellbeing.
Sessions could discuss study-life balance, motivation, managing stress, developing healthy habits, and so much more.
Introducing our Team
Your Tuakana Leaders. They are here to guide you through the six鈥憌eek mentorship program helping you settle into university life, build lasting connections, and thrive in your academic journey.
Get involved and get connected
Waikato Locals is about finding your place in university life. Our team 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鈥檛 wait to see you there.