Abstract:
This paper describes a research project, ‘‘Voices from Manukau’’, that investigated the impact of a joint
initiative by a university and an institute of technology in
New Zealand. The purpose of the initiative was to increase
the participation of students traditionally under represented
at tertiary-level study, particularly Ma¯ori (indigenous
people) and individuals from Pacific Island nations. Many
of the participants were adults who had not experienced
high levels of success during their compulsory period of
education and they lived in low socio-economic areas. We
found that participation of under-represented groups
increased. The ‘‘Manukau’’ students were as successful as
other undergraduate students studying at the university. Of
particular interest was the high level of success of Ma¯ori
and Pacific Island students.