Education Minister Chris Hipkins has announced the members of Te Taumata Aronui, a group to work with the Government on tertiary education policy incorporating Māori community and employer perspectives.
Te Taumata Aronui is an opportunity for Māori and the Crown to work more closely on changes to the tertiary education system, including through the Reform of Vocational Education, so that it better supports the aspirations, and reflects the needs, of Māori learners, communities and employers.
The Reform of Vocational Education needs to reflect the Government’s commitment to Māori-Crown partnerships. A partnership approach would prioritise Māori learners across the vocational education system, and recognise that Māori are significant employers with social and economic goals, with an estimated national Māori asset base valued at over $50 billion. This is particularly important for regional New Zealand, and for primary and export sectors.
Te Taumata Aronui will provide independent recommendations and advice to Ministers and work with officials on how tertiary education can better respond to the needs of Māori learners, communities and employers and help improve learner and community outcomes.
Minister Hipkins will finalise the Terms of Reference for Te Taumata Aronui with the Group early in the new year. Ministers and officials will sit down with the members to set a work programme.
Te Taumata Aronui members are Professor Wiremu Doherty, Maru Nihoniho (MNZM), Te Ahukaramū Charles Royal, Mereraina Piripi, Dr Eruera Prendergast-Tarena, Brendon Green, Mamaeroa Merito, and Dr Wayne Ngata who will chair the Group.
See further details on the appointees:
Te Taumata Aronui— Tertiary Education Commission