A new Māori centre will soon be established at Otago Polytechnic. It will be the hub for Māori students to work and learn as Māori.
Rebecca Williams has been appointed as the Tumuaki Manager of the new facility.
Chief Executive Phil Ker says, “The appointment of Rebecca and the establishment of the Māori Centre builds upon our achievements to date with Māori learner success and further strengthens our relationship with our local Runaka.”
Williams was also appointed as Runaka representative on the Polytechnic Council in 2005. During that time she served as chair of the Council subcommittee Komiti Kanawataka.
Some of the services to be offered at the Māori Centre will include:
• Pastoral care for Māori students
• Māori research centre
• Teaching space for Māori electives
• Workspace for Māori staff to access as and when needed
• Support for Māori staff
Ker says, “Our aim is to go beyond simply a support centre for Māori students and rather to create a holistic environment where a range of activities can take place – from teaching, to support, to research.
We are very excited about this development, and the difference it will make to Māori learners, and look forward to welcoming Rebecca into this role when the Māori Centre opens after Easter.”