4th April 2024
The Vice-President Māori on behalf of the communities and societies of the University of Waikato and The Waikato Students’ Union
The Waikato Students’ Union, in conjunction with the Rōpū Māori and its representatives in Te Kāhuinga Tumuaki, have been reflecting on the events of the last few weeks and, in particular, those at the University of Auckland Campus regarding Māori and Pasifika kaupapa spaces.
While our initial reaction was one of anger and fear, we have since reflected and consider ourselves grateful for the direction in which our waka at The University of Waikato is moving together. We reached out to other communities on campus, including the Accessibility, Mature Students and Muslim students who have chosen to undersign this letter.
We are pleased to be tauira at the University of Waikato. We acknowledge that there have been and will continue to be differences of opinion between our rōpū and wider networks and the University leadership, and those differences will continue to be discussed, debated, and sometimes protested.
However, we are happy that the University continues to support the rights for differentiated learning and student support spaces, which include Puutikitiki, The Conch, the mature Students space, men’s and women’s, Muslim Prayer spaces, churches on campus, and the UniQ room.
While a lot of these spaces were earned and fought for by the mahi of the individuals and groups who needed them the most and reflect changing attitudes and responsiveness on the part of the University over time, we are happy to have them standing with us now in support of the preservation of these spaces and the understanding that these communities and spaces enhance our student experience.
Signed
The Waikato Students’ Union; Te Waiora; Te Kāuru; Te Tini o Hakuturi; Te Ranga Ngaku; Te Whakahiapo; Pacific Law Students Association; UniQ; PIMSA; Pacific Ako Students Association; Waikato University Muslim Students Association; Papua New Guinea Students Association; Solomon Island Community of Waikato; Waikato University Samoan Students Association
