Rate My Professor Amber Kalinowski

Amber Kalinowski serves as Kaitohutohu Māori, a Registered Counsellor, at Te Huka Mātauraka – the Māori Centre at the University of Otago. She is affiliated with the iwi of Kāi Tahu and Taranaki. Her pepeha reflects her deep connections to her whakapapa: Ko Taranaki me Takitimu ōku maunga. Ko Hungatehua me Aprima ōku awa. Ko Kurahoupo me Takitimu ōku waka. Ko Taranaki me Kāi Tahu ōku iwi. Ko Ngā Mahanga me Ōraka Aprima ōku hapū. Ko Okrortua me Takutai o te Titi ōku marae. Ko Amber Kalinowski tōku ingoa. She hails from a big, beautiful, dynamic, and complicated whānau who inspired and supported her to be adventurous and curious about the world, people, and their experiences. As noted in the Tauira Māori Guide, she embodies the proverb: He aha te kai a te rangatira? He kōrero, he kōrero, he kōrero.

Amber Kalinowski has worked professionally in education, addiction, and whānau settings, consistently placing young people at the center of her mahi. Her counselling philosophy is firmly grounded in social justice, social construction—including the messages imparted by society—and the transformative power of narrative. At the University of Otago, she delivers free, confidential counselling and guidance services tailored to tauira Māori students. She creates a relaxed, supportive environment for kōrero, laughter, and tangi, recognizing the dual nature of university life as both terrifyingly exciting—filled with potential, new experiences, learning, and relationships—and challenging, particularly when distant from whānau and whenua. Through her role, she and her colleagues at the Māori Centre strive to serve as whānau away from home. Her office is situated in room G04 at 515 Castle Street North, Dunedin, with direct dial +64 3 479 8300 or +64 3 479 8283.