Melanie Katu, a learner facilitator at the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic's Business School, has received a positive response from the local business community to a request seeking mentors for Maori tertiary students.
She made her call on Priority One's networks, saying she was keen to partner with local business people who would be interested in mentoring a Maori student.
While the mentor did not have to be Maori, they did need to be willing to engage regularly with the student, share experiences and provide information that would prepare them for employment once they graduate.
"I've been so overwhelmed by the response," she said. "About 15 people so far have come forward so I have enough."
Ms Katu is an Auckland University of Technology masters in education student.