about proposed restructure of Māori, Pacific, Equity office
Staff and students at Canterbury University are concerned about a proposal to restructure its equity team, but it says the aim is to improve academic leadership to “meet modern tribal needs”.
A document was released to staff that proposes a reshuffle of reporting lines and separating off the Pacific and rainbow staff from the Office of Māori, Pacific and Equity - Te Waka Pākākano (TWP).
Stuff was told by numerous students and staff they are worried about the undoing of progress that the team has made together, but the university said it was about creating “new opportunities rather than a cost-saving exercise”.
Canterbury University became the first treaty university in 2021, and Ngāi Tūāhuriri ūpoko and Professor Te Maire Tau took up the lead role of pou whakarae to work alongside tumu whakarae (vice-chancellor) Professor Cheryl de la Rey to ensure the inclusion of te ao Māori, mātauranga (knowledge), and to uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Link to video and article: Staff and students 'concerned' about proposed restructure of Māori, Pacific, Equity office | Stuff.co.nz
