WHANAUNGATANGA

If there was one word to describe SPIES, it would be whanaungatanga.
​For students studying with us today, we hope that we can provide a home away from home.

For the future, we envisage a world where our people thrive in the engineering workforce and are able to pave the way for more to come. We aspire to help our people realise their potential and go on to change the world. We are a minority in this industry, however, we accept the challenge that comes with it.
​SPIES is a University of Auckland, student-led association dedicated to supporting Māori and Pacific Island students studying engineering at the University of Auckland. Outside of the University, SPIES aims to promote engineering to all of our aiga, to help increase the Māori and Pasifika presence within the engineering industry.
SPIES is actively involved within the faculty of engineering, university and the community. To encourage students to be more involved during their time at university, SPIES organises events and workshops which build the students’ character through a friendly and supportive environment. 
With a 200+ member cohort, and increasing numbers each year, SPIES wants to invest in these students and help them in every way possible. We realise the importance of teamwork and making connections with the wider engineering community; and understand that our members need help in taking the first step towards building a professional profile for themselves.
The number of SPIES graduates grows every year, working nationally and internationally at a high level. We believe, from the success of our graduates, that the programmes and support offered by SPIES is of great significance. Coupled with industry assistance, we continue to make a difference in the lives of young Māori and Pacific engineers.
​
While an engineering degree is hard work, SPIES makes life a little more enjoyable.

OUR OBJECTIVES

GOAL 1:
​
​SUPPORT THE WELL-BEING OF OUR MEMBERS

SOCIAL

During their time at University, SPIES aims to support our members socially through a range of events, activities and experiences. We aim to create a sense of family and community for them; a place to call home within the university.

ACADEMIC

One of the prime reasons that each of us are here, SPIES works to support each of our members on their academic journeys. Through networking, professional development workshops and study sessions, we aim to help each other succeed. 

CULTURAL

SPIES is comprised of a multitude of cultures and we provide various opportunities for our members to learn more about their own cultures, as well as others. SPIES aims to strengthen our members' sense of identity within the Faculty of Engineering and the University of Auckland. 

GOAL 2:
​
PROMOTE ENGINEERING TO
MAORI AND PASIFIKA COMMUNITIES


​Outside of the University, SPIES aims to promote engineering to all of our whānau, to help increase the Māori and Pasifika presence within the engineering industry.

In 2020, on top of their studies, a group of SPIES volunteers will be reigniting the SPIES Outreach Project. The purpose of the project is to entice the next generation of Māori and Pacific engineers through a series of school visits and workshops. By going out into schools and the community, we hope that our people will be able to see there is a space for them in tertiary education, and furthermore, demand for them in industry. 

A LOOK AT THE PAST

SPIES has come a long way since it's beginning in 1992.
Although many things have changed over the years, it is always humbling to take a look back at how far we have come. 
A copy of the current and past SPIES constitutions can be found here.

CONTACT US
20 Symonds Street, Auckland, New Zealand
Faculty of Engineering, University of Auckland
​[email protected]
SPIES © South Pacific Indigenous Engineering Students 2020, All Rights Reserved