Nä Andrew Warner ënei whakaahua. Liz Proctor.
Erita Kingi.
The programme has been through a series of adjustments, but, throughout, the foundations have always been kaitiakitanga and whanaungatanga. It began as a two-year diploma in 2001 and Te Wänanga o Aotearoa was named as the preferred provider. Now there are three levels to the programme including a oneyear certificate, a two-year diploma and a three-year degree. Melita says it gives people the choice - if the certificate provides them with all they need, then they’ll still hold a qualification, but if they feel they want to know more about environmental planning, they can come back.
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With many iwi and hapü settling Treaty of Waitangi claims, Melita says the knowledge gleaned from this programme would help in settlement negotiations and managing natural resource rights.
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Melita says, “If you have to stand up in the Environment Court or at a local council meeting, then you need to be articulate and you have to make sure that you know what you’re talking about before you go into a fight.’’
“Tauira who decide to carry on into the third year have a chance to explore concepts further and develop their own ideas,’’ she says.
Melita says the programme’s kaiako are specialists in their field.
ADVOCATING FOR MÁORI
“We contract them in and that way they still get to work in their areas, because the landscape is always changing and the people involved in this area need to be up-to-date with what’s happening, not only here in New Zealand, but also all over the world.
Melita says the demand for the programme is definitely growing and she is sure that, with the complexities surrounding the Resource Management Act (RMA), the need for such a programme will continue to grow. The Resource Management Act is one of the subjects covered in the diploma, but tauira often find spending the extra year helps to cement that knowledge. A range of sections within the RMA that provide for Mäori interests, but it is a matter of understanding the legislation. The programme also teaches people to be able to stand up in front of others and deliver a comprehensive, wellresearched message.
“That’s why our lecturers and kaiako travel, and talk with people overseas. That way they are always bringing back new information. It’s fantastic for them and it’s fantastic for our tauira.’’ With many iwi and hapü settling Treaty of Waitangi claims, Melita says the knowledge gleaned from this programme would help in settlement negotiations and managing natural resource rights. “Tribes are able to manage those assets better if they have people with the right skills in their organisations.”
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KÖANGA Spring
KA MIHARO
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