The Three Wânanga Have Changed The Lives Of Thousands Of People.
The attacks by opposition parties in Parliament on Te Wânanga Aotearoa (TWOA) does not inform the public of the amazing
work that this newly created tertiary institution has done to change the lives of thousands of people who have enrolled
in TWOA.
In the last ten years, the three Wânanga, Te Wânanga o Aotearoa. Te Whare Wânanga o Awanuiarangi and Te Wânanga o
Raukawa have changed the lives of thousands of students for the better. Particularly, Te Wânanga o Aotearoa.
It will be recorded in history that the three Wânanga, especially Te Wânanga o Aotearoa, has made a significant
contribution to Mâoridom and to Aotearoa as a whole. Mâori tertiary numbers have trebled in the past five years mainly
due to the dedication and the work of these institutions, especially Te Wânanga o Aotearoa. This is in line with the
Government’s strategy for a knowledge society.
Te Tauihu o Ngâ Wânanga acknowledges the contribution of Te Wânanga o Aotearoa to Mâori language and culture
revitalisation of Aotearoa-New Zealand through its innovative programmes spread throughout New Zealand.
Te Tauihu acknowledges further that TWOA is not simply encouraging Mâori students, for nearly one half of the student
body are non-Mâori at Te Wânanga o Aotearoa. We play hosts to many indigenous groups from many parts of the world –
United States, Canada, Alaska, Australia, Hawaii and Taiwan who come to seek and study Wânanga as a model that might be
appropriate for their people in revitalising their own language and culture as well as ensuring increased participation
at the tertiary level. Many are very envious of the strides we have taken.
Many students and staff past and present are not happy with the current criticism. They want Te Wânanga o Aotearoa to
carry on the good work and they certainly will be voting for the party that supports its continuation rather than those
who criticise some actions of this dynamic institution from behind the protected walls of Parliament.