Waikato University - Education Minister, Hon. Steve Maharey, and Minister of Maori Affairs, Hon. Parekura Horomia, visited Waikato University

Ministerial visit discusses Maori education and research at Waikato University 1 June 2006
Education Minister, Hon. Steve Maharey, and Minister of Maori Affairs, Hon. Parekura Horomia, visited Waikato University yesterday (Wednesday 31 May) to learn about teaching and research projects at the University which are regarded as excellent examples of collaboration between universities and local iwi.

The ministers met with University Vice-Chancellor Professor Roy Crawford, members of senior management and the Chair of Te Ropu Manukura, Dr Apirana Mahuika. Te Ropu Manukura is the Kaitiaki (guardian) of the Treaty of Waitangi for the University of Waikato.

Prof. Crawford said the ministers' visit was part of an ongoing dialogue between the University and Government. "Yesterday’s discussions specifically focused on current projects underway at Waikato that are designed to align the University's capabilities with Maori educational, research and developmental aspirations," he said.

"The University of Waikato has a long-standing reputation for leading the way with initiatives to support Maori in tertiary education. Since our foundation we have worked closely with local iwi to foster an environment of success, resulting in the highest proportion of Maori students of any New Zealand university.

"We take very seriously our role in creating knowledge that contributes to the wellbeing of the region and the nation. We also see connectedness with our communities as an essential component of an effective research programme."

During the meeting Prof. Crawford outlined the University's major successes in Technology Transfer in recent years. "Especially given the significant land assets of the iwi we work with, a focus on R&D is essential in generating better economic outputs from their land base," he said.

Both Ministers responded very positively to the particular aspects of Waikato University's unique character associated with its strong links with Tainui and the other iwi in its region.

"The opportunity to welcome both ministers to our campus was extremely productive," said Prof Crawford.