15 December 2005
Wânanga CEO Reaches Resolution
Te Wânanga o Aotearoa CEO, Rongo Wetere, announced his retirement today.
Mr Wetere said that he always intended to act in the best interests of the staff and students to secure the future of
the Wânanga but it was important that he remain in the role until the Auditor General’s report was released.
“I am pleased that the Auditor General’s report showed no fraud, no corruption and no nepotism and has allowed me to
negotiate with the council about my concerns over their legitimacy and the future direction of the Wânanga.
“My concerns about the Crown majority on the council have been addressed and it will now be back up to full strength.
“I am satisfied that the three previous council members who have been subject to a recent high court action have been
reinstated to the council.
“In addition I am pleased that three new council members have been appointed, bringing the council up to full
constitutional strength which, as everyone knows, has been my major concern.
“I am particularly delighted that my long-serving colleague Bentham Ohia has accepted the role of acting CEO. The
Wânanga will be in the hands of someone who is a current member of staff and is dedicated to its vision and kaupapa.
“I will continue to work towards internationalising educational developments for the indigenous world after the recent
success of the WIPCE conference.
“I wish to thank the many hundreds of people who have contacted me in recent months and the many thousands that have
made the Wânanga the great place it is today.
“I anticipate a positive report from the Waitangi Tribunal next week that will reinforce the kaupapa of the Wânanga as
an important institution for all New Zealanders.”
ENDS