Māori staff

Māori have a distinct status as tangata whenua and equity policies at The University of Auckland must recognise the commitments and obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi.

Tertiary education for indigenous peoples is also a crucial issue world-wide. The University of Auckland aims to become New Zealand’s foremost site of excellence for Māori in tertiary education. The Pro Vice-Chancellor (Māori) provides leadership and chairs the Rūnanga (an advisory group of Māori staff and students to the University Council and Senate Committees).

The University’s Equity Policy states its commitment to meeting its responsibilities under the Treaty of Waitangi, accepts the principle of partnership and aims to redress under-representation of Māori in the University by ensuring:

• Māori people are fully consulted, and participate in all matters concerning their own destinies through and within University structures and policy.
• Māori retain autonomy as far as practicable over any decision-making related to Māori issues.
• A fair and equitable distribution of resources be made for Māori needs within the University by employing three key principles:
  • The equitable redistribution and reallocation of existing resources through affirmative action policies
  • The creation of new and additional resources through affirmative action policies
  • The alignment of existing policy to take equitable account of Māori needs.

For more information see Māori at the University