Qualifications and quality assurance kaimahi from Muka Tangata and the five other Workforce Development Councils met with Te Wānanga o Awanuiārangi this month as part of a wider series of whanaungatanga visits with iwi and hapū-based providers, kaupapa Māori organisations and Whare Wānanga. The focus and goal of these engagement hui has been to build sustainable relationships with Māori providers.  

Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi was founded in 1991 by Māori leaders who wanted to offer education that respected their culture and preserved their iwi knowledge. Today, it’s a lively place of learning that not only teaches Māori values but also helps students feel proud of their heritage.  

Engaging with our industries, iwi and hapū Māori, and the vocational education sector to ensure a strong voice for industry in vocational education is a priority of our mahi this year. Te Wānanga o Awanuiārangi were eager to establish a relationship with Muka Tangata, as well understand our role in the vocational education and training system and how we can support them to achieve their aspirations in the sector. 

Muka Tangata will continue to build on the relationship, in collaboration with the other WDCs, and in a way that honours tikanga Māori and gives confidence in our quality assurance function. 

We understand that relationships are the cornerstone of success for Māori who are engaged in the food and fibre sector. We have developed our approach to engagement in a manner that puts relationships at the centre in a way that respects and honours their importance. This approach is further detailed in our report, Te Whakatōnga.  

We look forward to building on this and other relationships with Māori providers.