9 July 2004

Maori students converge on Rotorua

The annual Te Hui Tauira will begin in Rotorua today, calling students from throughout Aotearoa, to address Maori issues in tertiary education.

Te Hui Tauira is organised and facilitated by the Aotearoa Tertiary Students Association’s (ATSA) Maori representative voice Te Rooopu Tautoko. Which in essence embodies the whole organisation.

“ATSA has always shown a staunch commitment to the principles of Te Tiriti 'o' Waitangi and the positive effects of honouring the indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand” Julie Pettett, ATSA President says.

ATSA and Te Roopu Taukoko are also very pleased to welcome the Minister for Maori affairs, and MP for Ikaroa Rawhiti, Parekura Horomia, who will address the hui as a key note speaker.

“This is a fabulous event now into it’s fourth year, and long may it remain as a vehicle for bringing Maori and non Maori together to address very real issues for Maori in Tertiary Education.”

The hui will have a particular focus on strengthening the relationship that Tauira have with their institutions. While also looking at issues such as retention and completion rates of Maori students, and the broader impacts of the tertiary education reforms on Maori tertiary students.

“It won’t be all hard work, a large part of ensuring success for Maori students is recognising the importance of whakawhanauangatanga so there will be time to socialise and catch up with friends and whanau. Waiariki Institute of Technology in Rotorua is a wonderful venue, and a huge thanks should go to all those who worked behind the scenes to make this hui a reality, a particular mention must go to the Waiariki Institute of Technology Students Association who have performed above and beyond the call of duty to make this event happen.” Pettett Says.

ENDS

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