Ngātiwai sign Memorandum of Understanding with Massey

Ngātiwai sign Memorandum of Understanding with Massey

The Ngātiwai Trust Board has signed its second Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on behalf of its Education Unit with Massey University at Takahiwai Marae, Ruakaka on Thursday 4 June 2014.

The partnership signed by Massey University Pro Vice-Chancellor Maori Dr. Selwyn Katene, Ngātiwai Trust Board chairman Haydn Edmonds and Ngatiwai Education General Manager Philip Alexander-Crawford will provide for Ngātiwai to have greater involvement in decisions around policy, strategy and design of Tertiary Education where that affects Ngātiwai Iwi.

“It makes sense for us to seek out higher learning and so to sign with Massey is a significant point for us to make because at a time when Maori are busy settling their differences with the Crown we have decided to focus on education,” Mr. Edmonds Dr. Katene spoke of the enormous changes in the world referring to the tearing down of the Berlin Wall, and the elections of Nelson Mandela and Barrack Obama, two black men, as presidents of South Africa and the United States.

“Education is probably the most powerful weapon we have for change, and with the

world changing our people can go out there confident that the knowledge they have gained is something they can offer the world,” he said.

“By being here we’re saying we are opening our doors to you in the spirit of creating a mutual relationship of respect and learning. We want to assist you in growing your capability and capacity for the benefit of Ngātiwai.”

The agreement will allow both organisations to explore and focus on creating coherent approaches for the advancement of Ngātiwai education, social and
economic development such as the participation of Ngātiwai members in Massey
academic programmes and the engagement with Rangatahi to promote tertiary
education.

ends

© Scoop Media