Murray Wilson/Stuff
Massey University vice-chancellor Jan Thomas says centering Te Tiriti o Waitangi within the work of the university is critical to achieving more inclusive, progressive outcomes for society.
This Waitangi Day, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University is celebrating the launch of an extensive project setting a new standard of excellence in Te Tiriti o Waitangi analysis, practice and implementation across all areas of the university.
The Kaiārahi Tiriti (Tiriti mentors) project consists of 45 staff members from academic and professional areas of the university, who have undergone an intensive training and induction programme since the second half of 2022.
Kaiārahi Tiritiwill begin working one day a week on Te Tiriti-based programmes tailored to the specific needs and aspirations of each discipline or area.
Vice-chancellor Professor Jan Thomas said centering Te Tiriti o Waitangi within the work of the university was critical to achieving more inclusive, progressive outcomes for society.
READ MORE:
* Marlborough’s Treaty of Waitangi story and hope for next chapter
* University of Canterbury now New Zealand’s first ‘treaty university’
* University of Auckland embraces new Māori name
“Whilst Te Tiriti o Waitangi may be a common feature of institutional strategies nationwide, giving effect to Te Tiriti in real, meaningful ways is another matter.
“The establishment of the Kaiārahi Tiriti roles represents part of our broader commitment to providing staff and students with a teaching, learning and research environment that honours Te Tiriti in significant, practical ways, for the benefit of all.”
Plans for this year include: Te Tiriti course curriculum development, support in research and academic scholarship, professional development for staff, and the creation of discipline and profession-specific teaching and learning resources.
The office of deputy vice-chancellor Māori professor Meihana Durie, (Rangitāne, Ngāti Kauwhata, Ngāti Raukawa Te Au ki Te Tonga, Ngāti Porou, Rongowhakaata, Ngāi Tahu) is overseeing the project.
David Unwin/Stuff
Deputy vice-chancellor Māori professor Meihana Durie’s office will oversee the project.
He believed the approach reflected a new innovation in Te Tiriti o Waitangi education that also created a high sense of optimism and excitement for the future.
“The leadership to be provided by our Kaiārahi comes through a collective impact model represented by a critical mass of Kaiārahi Tiriti who are well supported and resourced to lead out and implement the learning outcomes of the project across their specific areas of work.
“The ability for all of our Kaiārahi to now tailor Te Tiriti planning and programmes of work to each area of the university will lead to transformative impacts.”
He said while there was some overlap, Te Tiriti practices differed across disciplines, such as science, business, or creative arts.
“Each has its own history, dynamics and areas for development. Through the work of the Kaiārahi, our staff and students will not only become knowledgeable in current Te Tiriti practice, but will be well positioned to lead further Te Tiriti-based developments into the future.
“Graduates of our university will also benefit from this work in ways that are reflected as a part of their experience at Massey.”
Alongside the many Māori staff participating, there are also pākehā, Pacific, and Tauiwi (new migrant) staff who have been welcomed into these roles.
STUFF
February 6 acknowledges the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in 1840.
Pūkenga Tiriti associate professor Veronica Tawhai (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Uepohatu), who is leading the project, argued this was important to ensure Te Tiriti responsibilities were not carried by Māori alone.
“Māori must always be at the forefront of decisions regarding tino rangatiratanga [Māori self-determination] and taonga [Māori treasures],” she said.
“However non-Māori also have an important role supporting Māori leadership in these matters, as well as advancing a greater understanding of Te Tiriti amongst others and contributing to how we can work together towards greater equality in outcomes for all students.”
The university will share outcomes of the first year of the project in its 2023 annual report.
