Proposed closure of VUW Māori business programme

Media release

17 September 2014

Tertiary Education Union

Proposed closure of VUW Māori business programme goes against strategic direction

The Victoria Business School at Victoria University of Wellington has proposed closing the Māori Business programme, with a likely loss of two Senior Lecturer positions, and significant implications for the school and faculty as a whole.

TEU Tumu Arataki Mr. James Houkamau said “The two lecturing positions were filled by the only Māori staff in the entire faculty. We understand that the process has been terrible, and the decision seems to go against recommendations of a recent thorough review.”

“It’s also a move that seems to go against the strategic directions that are set out for the university in terms of the importance of Māori and Pacific peoples’ contributions to the university and its programmes.”

“What is difficult to understand is how this proposed programme closure fits with VUW’s stated objective of recognising ‘…the contribution of Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) to scholarship across disciplines.’ (Strategic Plan 2014 page 2).”

“Many Māori businesses are at the forefront of New Zealand’s economy and contribute significantly to whānau and community wellbeing. It’s important that Māori and non-Māori alike understand the significance of these enterprises, the philosophies that underpin them, and how they contribute to our society and economy overall.”

The university’s Academic Board meets tomorrow to discuss the proposal.

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