This week, Te Nehenehenui signed a Whakapiringa Ngākau (Memorandum of Understanding) with tertiary education organisation Te Wānanga o Aotearoa (TWoA), recognising long-standing historic ties and a commitment to realising our shared goals and aspirations.
The Whakapiringa Ngākau represents a sincere commitment of both parties to strengthening relationships, supporting each other’s aspirations, and fostering initiatives that benefit the iwi and the wider community.
Maniapoto has maintained a long-standing connection with the Wānanga since it was established in 1984 at Ō-Tāwhao Marae, Te Awamutu, and spearheaded by Dr Rongo Wetere and Boy Mangu as an entranceway for second-chance education learners.
This agreement serves as the foundation for a ‘rangatira ki te rangatira’ relationship, driven by our common values of Aroha, Ture, Whakapono and Kotahitanga.
In reflecting on this milestone, Te Nehenehenui Group Chief Executive, Sam Mikaere, says formalising the agreement was a positive step towards a productive partnership to support tauira and their whānau.
“Our partnership is a recognition of the long-standing relationship with TWoA from its humble beginnings within Te Rohe Pōtae and now as a tāonga for all whānau across Aotearoa.
“We are especially excited to bring educational opportunities to our people over the coming years dedicated to Mātauranga, reo and tikanga.”
TWoA was fostered from the vision of providing holistic education opportunities of the highest quality for Māori, peoples of Aotearoa and the world.
Since its establishment, through the three foundation programmes of te reo Māori, Whakairo (Carving) and Raranga (Weaving), the institute has welcomed nearly a million tauira over its 40-year lifespan, with hundreds of Maniapoto descendants entering through its doors.
The agreement aims to strengthen the current relationship that exists between TNN and the Wānanga, with a particular focus on supporting education pathways
that deliver benefits for Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, Maniapoto members, and the wider community.
Te Kura Toroa Chief Executive of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, Evie O’Brien, says the Whakapiringa Ngākau strengthens a relationship built over four decades.
“We are proud to deepen our partnership with Te Nehenehenui and work together to create meaningful education pathways that support the aspirations of Maniapoto whānau now and into the future.”
Te Nehenehenui is looking forward to working alongside TWoA, while establishing a more active role in promoting opportunities and uplifting education outcomes for Maniapoto that will align and support both TNN’s long-term strategy, Te Kawau Rukuroa, and the long-term aspirations and goals of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.