As proud as we are: A journey of educational achievement and learning for mature Maori computing students

Abstract or Summary

In recent years New Zealand has seen an upsurge of mature adult Maori students who have returned to full time studies either at a University, Waanga or Polytechnic tertiary institutions. The Waikato Institute of Technology is one such institution that has seen a phenomenal growth of mature Maori students returning to study. This tertiary institution provides a wide range of qualifications across the disciplines of business, industry, commerce, technology and the arts. Much has been written in recent years of Maori who have returned to full time study. However, the literature is very sparse on indigenous students who have successfully completed a computer degree. This study explores the experiences of some of these adult students who have graduated with a Bachelor of Information Technology Degree (BIT) with an insight to understanding how they have all become academically successful in a discipline which is predominantly seen as non-Maori orientated.