Wânanga CEO Reaches Resolution

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

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