The Inaugural Graduation of the Waikato-Tainui Endowed College Master of Business Administration last November will have direct and indirect benefits for Māori across the motu, says Te Puni Kōkiri Regional Director Gail Campbell.

“The success of the graduating class represents an opportunity and resource for the Māori world,” Gail says. “The programme is part of the vision of the late Sir Robert Mahuta to establish a post graduate residential College with a focus on Māori and indigenous research and development.”

The College based in Hopuhopu was built in 2000 as an outcome of the 1995 Raupatu settlement between the Crown and Waikato-Tainui.

Nineteen students were conferred with the degree of Master of Business Administration through the University of Waikato.

Gail says the graduating class included members from a number of iwi with diverse experiences in Māori and iwi development. “The class make-up includes people from Māori education including kura kaupapa, iwi, community and public sector managers.” Many wanted to have their existing skills recognised through academic study.

The programme was run in collaboration between Waikato-Tainui and the University of Waikato to deliver the MBA degree within a Māori and indigenous context. The programme was awarded an international award for the most innovative MBA in its first year.

“There was an emphasis on collective learning rather than individualised study; with opportunities to be in residence at Hopuhopu during wānanga and Māori case study examples, where possible. Guest speakers included Tracey Houpapa and Sir Wira Gardiner – people who know what’s happening with iwi and have a strategic perspective on Māori leadership and Māori business.”

Gail says Te Puni Kōkiri is pursuing linking graduates of the programme to the organisation’s Māori Business Facilitation Service for mentoring, support and advice.

Image: Kiingi Tuheitia (center) with the inaugural Māori graduates