Wānanga CEO got Fair Deal

Wānanga CEO got Fair Deal

22 December 2005

The Tuia Union, which represents over 700 staff at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, is shocked by statements made by the Association of Staff in Tertiary Education (ASTE) last week.

ASTE, which represents less than 100 Wānanga staff, released a statement on Friday criticising the retirement agreement between the Wānanga and its former CEO Rongo Wetere that included a payment of $120,000 over a six month period.

Tuia representative Tank Gordon said critics are forgetting the value of what Wetere gave the Wānanga.

“Mr Wetere put over 23 years of his life into the Wānanga and he deserves recognition for what he has done for staff and students. This payment does not come at the expense of staff and is a small token for what he has achieved for education.

“Tuia negotiated a $1.3 million payment in November to go out to staff in recognition of the strain they have endured during this tough year. On top of the collective agreement we signed for our members that included new salary packages, a payment of $800 went out to each and every staff member, whether they were members of TUIA or ASTE. Tuia recognised the pressure that our members have been under and shared the negotiated amount with all Wānanga staff.

“When staff pick up their pay it is important that they remember it was Rongo Wetere who had the vision that has allowed them to be part of the Wānanga in the first place.

“ASTE complains, creates problems and breaks promises when they should be focusing on delivering to their members,” he concluded.

ENDS

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