Connecting Culture. Empowering Identity. Creating Lifelong Impact.

Our Indigenous Student Programmes are designed to create powerful, meaningful cultural exchange experiences that strengthen identity, build confidence, and connect Indigenous youth across the world.

Based in Aotearoa New Zealand, our programmes immerse students in the Māori world while creating a safe and respectful space for visiting Indigenous students to share their own culture, stories, and ways of knowing.

This is not just a cultural tour, it is a journey of belonging, empowerment, and shared Indigenous strength.

What the Programme Offers

Students experience authentic, hands-on cultural learning through:

• Marae stays and traditional Māori welcomes (pōwhiri)
• Participation in local schooling alongside Māori students
• Te reo Māori language and cultural workshops
• Traditional arts, carving, weaving and creative expression
• Kapa haka and performance workshops
• Environmental and land-based learning
• Visits to culturally significant sites
• Group leadership, wellbeing and identity workshops

Each programme is carefully guided by Indigenous facilitators to ensure cultural safety, respect, and meaningful connection.

A Two-Way Cultural Exchange

At the heart of this programme is the belief that Indigenous cultures are strongest when they stand together.

Visiting students are invited not only to learn about Māori culture, but to share their own cultural knowledge, language, stories, traditions, music, art, and identity. This creates a genuine cultural exchange that honours both cultures and strengthens mutual respect.

Our goal is to build bridges between Indigenous communities and empower the next generation of Indigenous leaders.

Programme Length Options

We offer flexible programme lengths to suit schools and groups:

• 1 week cultural immersion
• 2–3 week intensive cultural exchange
• 4 week full immersion programme

Each programme is tailored to the needs of the school or group, including age range, learning outcomes, and cultural priorities.

Who Can Join

These programmes are designed for:

• Indigenous secondary school students
• Alternative education and cultural learning groups
• International Indigenous schools and organisations
• Youth leadership and wellbeing programmes

We also provide full pastoral care, supervision, and cultural support throughout the programme.

Individual Participants Welcome

While many of our programmes are delivered in partnership with schools and organisations, individual Indigenous students are also welcome to apply. We understand that not all young people have access to school-based exchanges. Individual participants may join scheduled programmes where appropriate, or be supported into a tailored pathway that aligns with their age, cultural background, and wellbeing needs. All individual participants receive the same level of pastoral care, cultural support, and inclusion within the group, ensuring they feel safe, welcomed, and fully supported throughout their journey.

Funding & Financial Support

We recognise that access to cultural exchange opportunities can be limited by financial barriers. Where possible, Tūhono Exchange can assist participants and families to explore funding options to support programme costs.

This may include guidance around grants, sponsorship opportunities, community or organisational support, and fundraising pathways. We encourage you to look into any funding options available in your school/country. While funding availability varies, we are committed to working alongside families, schools, and communities to help make participation more accessible. Our approach is grounded in equity and care, ensuring that meaningful Indigenous cultural experiences are not limited only to those with financial means.

Why This Programme Matters

This programme is about:

• Strengthening cultural identity
• Healing through connection
• Building leadership and confidence
• Creating global Indigenous friendships
• Honouring ancestors and future generations

Students leave with a deeper sense of pride in who they are, and a stronger connection to their own culture and community.

Let’s Create a Partnership

We welcome partnerships with Indigenous schools, communities, and organisations from around the world.

If you would like to explore bringing your students to Aotearoa New Zealand, or creating a shared cultural exchange, we would love to connect with you.