A substantial body of literature has examined the challenges that indigenous students face in higher education. Across Aotearoa New Zealand, the indigenous Mäori population is under-represented at the university level, as are ethnically diverse Pacifi c students who trace their ancestries to neighbouring Pacifi c nations. This study relies on focus group interviews with high-achieving Mäori and Pacifi c students (N = 90) from a large New Zealand university. Using kaupapa Mäori (theory and methodology grounded in a Mäori world view) and Pacifi c research principles, the study identifi es the social factors contributing to indigenous students' educational success. Three broad themes emerged from discussions: family and university role modelling and support; indigenous teaching and learning practices; and resilient abilities to cope with everyday colonialism and racism. A positive indigenous ethnic identity ties these themes together, ultimately serving as the steady factor driving Mäori and Pacifi c students' achievement motivation.