VetMAP Students Celebrate Graduation Milestone

The first cohort of Māori and Indigenous Pacific students supported by the Veterinary Māori and Pacific (VetMAP) initiative graduated this week, marking a proud milestone for both the students and the programme.

VetMAP is a dedicated pathway within Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) that fosters equity, success and cultural connection in the veterinary profession.

VetMAP was introduced in 2020 as an outcome of the PhD research of Professor Eloise Jillings, Ngāti Maru, which explored access to veterinary education for Māori. The initiative is a targeted entry and support pathway offered by Tāwharau Ora School of Veterinary Science.

There are several key reasons why VetMAP was established. Firstly, it aligns with Massey’s commitment to being a Tiriti-led institution. Secondly, the kaupapa aligns with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, supporting access to all levels of education for Indigenous peoples. Finally, VetMAP supports students in achieving their goals while helping the veterinary profession reflect the diversity of Aotearoa New Zealand.

The programme has had a significant impact since its inception. In the five years since VetMAP started, 79 Māori and Pacific students have been selected into the veterinary programme—compared to only 13 in the three years prior. This increase underscores the importance of creating welcoming and inclusive spaces where Māori and Pacific students feel a sense of belonging and see role models who reflect their backgrounds.

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Through tailored mentoring, academic support and a strong sense of community, VetMAP ensures that students are well-equipped to thrive during the rigorous BVSc programme and beyond. Academic support includes funded tutorials and development of study communities. Holistic pastoral care is also central, with the kaiurungi (carrier) acting as a trusted point of contact for students. They also benefit from the support of the Pacific Student Success team and Te Rau Tauawhi Māori Student Centre.

VetMAP Kaiārahi Coordinator Pauline Seymour says the programme is grounded in the values of manaakitanga and whanaungatanga.

“VetMAP is about walking alongside our students from the beginning of their journey to the moment they graduate. We want them to feel confident, connected and proud of who they are and where they come from.”

This week’s graduation is particularly meaningful as these students not only complete a demanding professional degree but also represent a growing legacy of Māori and Pacific excellence in veterinary science.

BVSc graduate Ariana Miller, Ngāpuhi says looking back over the past five years of vet school brings a wave of emotions like excitement, frustration, fear, pride, exhaustion and relief.

“From the uncertainty of pre-vet to the joy of securing my place in the programme, every moment has been part of a transformative journey. VetMAP has been a constant source of awhi and tautoko throughout, helping to shape not just the vet I am today but the person I’ve become. I’m deeply proud to have grown alongside my VetMAP whānau and to now support the next generation of tauira as they step into their own paths. Kia māia, kia kaha, kia mau – your time will come.”

Fellow BVSc graduate Taylor Waterson, Whakatōhea says VetMAP was her designated home away from home throughout her studies.

“It was a place of whānau, belonging, aroha and acceptance where everyone would always manaaki one another no matter the challenge. Knowing there were others on the same journey to lean on was a huge source of comfort early on and those connections have turned into lifelong friendships. I’m tremendously proud of the mahi my colleagues and I have put in to get to where we are today.”

BVSc graduate Tamara Anderson, Kūki 'Āirani says VetMAP had a significant impact on her during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

“The community of VetMAP during the pandemic and lockdowns led to friendships that I still hold dear; and even though our graduate jobs have taken us all over Aotearoa, I now have the privilege of working alongside one of those friends as a fellow intern at Massey University. As a tuākana of this initiative, it’s been amazing to see how much VetMAP has grown in size and strength.”

Head of Tāwharau Ora School of Veterinary Science Professor Jon Huxley extends his congratulations to the graduates.

“I am very proud of the whole VetMAP whānau and what they have achieved, and I would like to take the opportunity to wish our graduates all the very best in their careers. Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi – with your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive.”

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