Media Release 06 June 2012

Maori leader to take action against “double standard” over “university”-status

The Maori tertiary provider Awanuiarangi was yesterday sticking by its claim that it is a university, with its head, Dr Graeme Smith admitting it called itself an “indigenous university” despite the fact that in doing so, it is breaching the Education Act.

Ngapuhi leader David Rankin has criticised the wananga on the basis that it was misleading Maori students. “They are being told they are graduating from a university and this is legally wrong,” he says. “It is only when they come to apply for a job will they discover that what they think is a university qualification is in fact not one at all.”

“A few years ago, UNITEC was ordered to remove the word “university” from its logo when it described itself as the “university of the future”. However, the Tertiary Education Minister has so far refused to act against Awanuiarangi for calling itself an “indigenous university”. This is a blatant double standard.” Says Mr. Rankin.

Dr Smith has admitted that Awanuiarangi was using the term “university” but alleged that it was being used as an adjective not a noun. “I am astonished” Mr. Rankin, responded, “that this academic has such a basic misunderstanding of grammar.”

Mr Rankin has said that if the Minister, Steven Joyce, does not act to remove the term “university” from Awanuiarangi’s documentation, he will pursue the matter through the Commerce Commission, claiming false and illegal advertising.

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