Council of Te Wananga o Aotearoa Statement

Council of Te Wananga o Aotearoa

”The Council of Te Wananga o Aotearoa met this evening to consider a letter received on 9 May from the Minister of Education, Hon Trevor Mallard, in which he advised:

Approval of a $20m short term loan to cover immediate obligations His interim decision to dissolve the Council under a process set down under the Education Act and to appoint a Commissioner to administer the Wananga

“Under that process the Minister must consult with the Council in two successive stages. The first response to the Minister must be received by him on 14 May. There is then a further 21 days in which the Council can make submissions to the Minister prior to a final decision by him.

“The Council resolved this evening to set out its views to the Minister on why the Council should continue in its present form and the process of appointing a Commissioner should be halted. The first response will be in the hands of the Minister by the deadline of 14 May. Following further consultation with stakeholders, the Council will also complete a more detailed submission for consideration by the Minister within the subsequent 21 day deadline.

“The Council acknowledges short term financial pressures but believes that, with goodwill from all parties, they are resolvable under the present governance arrangements. Our views on this matter will be made known to the Minister and until they are completed and presented to the Minister the Council will make no further comment on this matter.”

Craig Coxhead Chair Council of Te Wananga o Aotearoa 10 May 2005

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