University of Canterbury to produce more Maori graduates to benefit businesses
May 23, 2014
The University of Canterbury is producing graduate students who will be of significant benefit to Maori organisations
and businesses in the future and a special new course soon will up the ante.
The university is providing new ways to assist graduates for real world situations, whether that is working for iwi
corporates, or for local or national government agencies, or in private business.
The graduates will be able to apply new skills and knowledge to many working relationships where employers are committed
to productive work for, with, or by Māori organisations and businesses.
``This is particularly relevant within the Canterbury context. Ngāi Tahu are a significant driver of, and influence on
the Christchurch rebuild and many businesses will appreciate the need for staff who have these skills,’’ Associate
Professor Te Maire Tau, director of the university Ngai Tahu Research Centre says.
``A new course starting in July will focus on indigenous economic development within the South Island. This will be of
significant benefit down the track to Ngai Tahu which contributes more than $200 million annually to the South Island
economy, through job creation, purchasing and putting profits back into the community.
``One of Ngāi Tahu’s strategic goals is to build mutually beneficial relationships with government and private and
community sectors.
``The history of Ngāi Tahu provides a fascinating backdrop for students. In the 1970s it was a small impoverished tribal
community that had been reduced to a membership of less than 400. Within two decades the tribe had emerged as one of the
largest corporations in the South Island with a tribal membership of over 50, 000.
``Today the commercial asset base is now in excess of $809 million. Ngāi Tahu is the largest private land owner in the
South Island with significant interests in fisheries and tourism.
Students will have direct contact to key people who participated in the claim settlement process, as well as seeing how
change can benefit all communities, not just Māori. Many non-Māori domestic students will find this course of great
interest as it offers a unique perspective on indigenous economic development, as well as skills valuable in many
careers,’’ Associate Professor Tau says.
Students will learn how historical characteristics of what an iwi is, how it functions and the intellectual history of
its evolution into a tribal corporation.
They will establish an understanding of international political and economic trends and how these trends have
underpinned tribal development.
More than 900 Māori students are studying at the University of Canterbury and the long term strategy of the Ngāi Tahu
Research Centre is to develop student bicultural competency and confidence.
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