Te Wananga O Aotearoa Opens Doors To Shirley
The CEO of Te Wananga o Aotearoa, Rongo Wetere says he is very pleased with the announcement of government today (Monday) regarding the review of the education sector.
“We are also eagerly looking forward to Ken Shirley’s visit to the Wananga where we can address his allegations from
parliament. It is Maori protocol to meet face to face to discuss issues as important as these”.
Mr Wetere will be attending the Hui Taumata in Wellington and visiting campuses of the Wananga around the country over
the next few weeks as he moves to gather the support of his organisation.
“The real rort is the trial by media created by Ken Shirley’s ability to make baseless allegations under parliamentary
privilege. Just think of all the public money he is wasting with government officials time and resources”
Calls and emails from supporters have been pouring in over the past week to the organisation. Some calling to march on
parliament to protest over the unfair and bias treatment the Wananga has received.
Mr Wetere is playing down calls to march at this stage, suggesting that there are other ways of showing solidarity
referring to TeWhiti, who in 1881 staged peaceful protests.
“With over 50 thousand students nation wide and 8-10% of the Maori population currently in our student data base and
having touched many families over its 21 year history both Maori and non Maori alike. The Wananga is prepared to
mobilise its supporters” he says.