Māori at AUT
AUT has a strong and important relationship with Māori, which honours the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. This commitment is reflected in the educational, social and philosophical culture of AUT.
The office of Māori Advancement works closely with AUT Māori staff, students and the wider community in advising and implementing Mātauranga Māori kaupapa throughout AUT.
The office is headed by the Pro-Vice Chancellor: Māori Advancement, Professor Pare Keiha.
Profile of Professor Pare Keiha
The role of the office
The office provides leadership to both academic and service divisions in achieving AUT’s strategic plan, especially themes and goals related to the advancement of Māori and the Treaty of Waitangi.
The office coordinates the Māori Advancement Advisory Committee as well as the day-to-day operations of the AUT Ngā Wai o Horotiu marae.
Our initiatives include:
- Building effective relationships with mana whenua, iwi and Māori communities
- Conducting research that benefits Māori and their communities
- Including Māori pathways in the curriculum
- Promoting access, success and advancement for Māori staff and students
AUT Directions Strategic Plan (AUT's official publications)
History of the office
The office of Māori Advancement was established in 1997 and known as the Office of Te Ahurei (when the institution was known as AIT). When AUT became a university in 2000, the title of Te Ahurei was changed to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori Advancement. In the year 2004 the office was renamed the Office of Māori Advancement, headed by the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Māori Advancement, Associate Professor Pare Keiha.
The office was re-housed in Te Ara Poutama (Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Development) WB Block and renovated to provide better support systems and more opportunities for Māori staff and students of AUT.
It is through AUT’s commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi that the Office of Māori Advancement and the AUT Ngā Wai o Horotiu marae exist.
This important partnership AUT has with Māori honours the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, which is integral to the educational, social and philosophical culture of AUT. It ensures that AUT is meeting its commitment to Māori in our community. The three key principles are:
- Partnership
Māori to participate in decision making processes, curriculum development, initiatives and accountability processes. - Protection
Māori to define and protect knowledge, legitimate knowledge to be defined by and for Māori to be included in representation and legitimating processes. - Participation
Māori staff and students have access to the benefits of being an employee or student of the university. To participate in the opportunities and course offerings available and to contribute to the benefits of the university.
Te Tiriti O Waitangi - New Zealand History Online; State Services Commission
Archives New Zealand (graphic reproduction)
Our Māori media, Māori development and te reo qualifications are dynamic and relevant – preparing you to succeed in the business and media sectors.
An essential part of health sciences at AUT, the Māori Health department teaches Te Ara Hauora Māori (Māori health) papers for students interested in a Māori health career.
It works closely with Taupua Waiora Centre for Māori Health Research to promote positive health experiences for Māori whānau.
The gateway to AUT: our marae
Ngā Wai o Horotiu marae can be hired for community use. Located on the City Campus, it welcomes the diverse cultures at AUT.
Support for Māori students
At AUT we offer a range of services and activities to support our Māori students during their studies.
