Our people

People come first at the University of Canterbury, which reflects our intrinsic values – whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, and tiakitanga. These values are rooted in trust, care, and reciprocity. They were embedded over generations of Ngāi Tūāhuriri and Ngāi Tahu being present in the region.

In 1861, Pita Te Hori, the first Upoko of Ngāi Tūāhuriri, instructed the founders of Ōtautahi – 'Kia atawhai ki te iwi – be kind to your people.' Today, these words underpin the relationships we foster among our students, staff, and community. We're proud to open our doors to students and staff throughout Aotearoa New Zealand and the world. We welcome everyone to learn from each other and contribute to our diverse and flourishing community. The University of Canterbury is a place for everyone.

Pono

Being honest, truthful, and acting with integrity.

Aroha

Being respectful, responsive and empathetic. 

Kia tika, kia pono, kia aroha – doing what's right with integrity and empathy. This is how we check in on how well we're living our values.

At the centre of our attributes is utu – reciprocation and balance. Utu is linked to retaining mana. It recognises the link between actions and reactions – that all actions require an appropriate response, whether positive or negative.

UC’s values wre defined by our staff and shaped by a team at Te Waka Pākākano | Office of the Assistant Vice-Chancellor Māori, Pacific and Equity, using a Māori values paradigm and a Māori worldview.

Each value was given a whakataukī, or saying, to facilitate deeper understanding. Learn and practice the pronunciation of each whakataukī.