Evaluating Indigenous health workforce development interventions for Māori and Indigenous Pacific tertiary students: success at Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland (2016–2023)

aim: We aimed to quantitatively evaluate educational performance of Māori and Pacific Admission Scheme (MAPAS) interventions at Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland (UoA) from 2016 to 2023. method: We measured the performance of student cohorts studying in MAPAS foundation and bachelor’s degree programmes using standard Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) indicators. We compared MAPAS results with all Māori and Pacific student cohorts studying equivalent-level courses at UoA in the same period. results: Students supported by MAPAS interventions surpassed results for all UoA Māori and Pacific students across all indicators. From 2016 to 2023, MAPAS foundation course pass and graduation rates were 15–23 percentage points higher, and MAPAS bachelor’s course pass rates, retention and graduation rates were 8–18 percentage points higher than equivalent UoA Māori and Pacific student averages. From 2020 to 2023, 232 MAPAS students graduated with a bachelor’s degree—at least 62 more than could be expected with standard support pathways. conclusion: The success of MAPAS interventions warrants sustained and enhanced investment. To align with population demographics, universities in Aotearoa should aspire for a minimum of 30% Māori and 15% Pacific graduates in health professional programmes. Pro-equity health workforce initiatives such as MAPAS are essential for transformation towards a culturally safe health system.