Emerging contexts in the construction of Maori academic development: The role of Whare Wananga

The history of colonialism in New Zealand has had a profound effect on Maori (the indigenous population of New Zealand), decimating their economic, political, cultural and social structures through policies of assimilation and integration. The New Zealand tertiary education system is reflective of its colonial derivative, particularly the British university system.

Since the 1970s, there has been increasing resistance to these colonial constructs. Whare Wananga (Maori tertiary institutions) have emerged from this milieu of resistance, with their precedence in kohanga reo (early childhood language nests), kura kaupapa Maori and wharekura (primary and secondary schools). This resistance was borne of a withdrawal from the grand narrative of the coloniser, where Maori engaged in a counter-hegemonic struggle against the continuous interrogation of power.

The establishment of Whare Wananga, initially as a resistance strategy to mainstream settings has ironically resulted in its official recognition as a site of learning under the New Zealand Education Act 1989.

This symposium describes the establishment and development of Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi, from its instigation as a resistance to the dominant constructs of the university to its current status of being the first Maori tertiary wananga to be awarded doctoral degree granting status.

The symposium will draw on the works of graduate students currently enrolled at Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi to highlight the advances being made for Maori academic development.