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Working together with the Waikato Raupatu River Trust,
the programme began in the first school holidays, drawing
together primary and then secondary school students from
across the rohe to engage them in the tribe’s environmental
plan as well as provide opportunities for them to consider
further learning around environmental and resource
management. A pilot programme this year, it is intended to
build a cohort of young leaders who can take this important
kaupapa forward into the future.
As we move forward into the next phase of the College’s
development, we are always mindful of and grateful for
the support we receive from our Patron, Kiingi Tuheitia,
our trustees Te Kauhanganui and Te Arataura and our
relationships across the wider tribal organisation. We are
constantly striving to achieve the aspirations outlined in
Whakatupuranga 2050 and we remain humbled to serve.
Te Arawa whaanau provide a haka.
MBA Graduates Tere Gilbert and Titia Graham during the poowhiri.
Professor Sir Mason Durie speaking to the graduates and audience.
a s p e c i a l
d ay o f c e l e b r at i on
Whaanau across the motu gathered together with the
College and the University of Waikato to celebrate the
graduation of the College’s inaugural cohort of MBA
graduates in November 2013.
In a special day witnessed by College Patron, Kiingi Tuheitia,
19 students who began the programme when it first started
at the College in 2011 graduated with their MBA programme,
three with distinction.
Graduation marked a milestone in the College’s history,
bringing it closer to the realisation of Sir Robert’s original
vision that the College would help develop our future cadre
of Maaori leaders, and contribute to establishing a network
of scholars not just for Waikato-Tainui but for the motu.
Special guest speaker, Professor Sir Mason Durie emphasised
this point and acknowledged that our graduates were well
prepared for their futures and encouraged them to consider
the ways in which they might give back to their communities.
The graduates chose two of their cohort – Brad Totorewa
and Yvonne O’Brien – to speak on their behalf about their
experiences through the programme.
Since finishing, the College has been fortunate to continue
drawing on the cohort, providing support for the 2014
MBA intake as well as promotional and academic activities
offered through the College. They have been great exemplars
for Maaori educational success and the College has been
privileged to have been a part of their journey.
