The Focus, Not The Number, Critical For Maori PhD’s
“The value of an ambitious plan to achieve 500 Maori doctorates of philosophy over the next 5 years will be determined
by what the area of focus of those PhD’s are, rather than the number, “ said New Zealand First education spokesperson,
Brian Donnelly today.
“If the focus of the 500 is on cultural studies, Maori will be left staring into the past. If the focus is on legal
studies which creates more players in the game of endless litigation tying up resource, it will be disastrous.”
“If however there is a broad focus which includes science, medicine, technology and economics then the campaign can only
be beneficial to all New Zealand,” said Mr Donnelly.
“From our PhD’s should flow the knowledge creation capacity so vitally needed for the future economic and social health
of our nation. Any initiative which supports that development must be applauded.”
ENDS