WSU provides a successful consultation: April marae graduation restored
The Waikato Students’ Union are pleased to see the University of Waikato reinstate the April marae graduation at Te Kohinga Mārama Marae.
The decision to reinstate the graduation comes after WSU consultation on the issue highlighted how many tauira on campus and within the system of clubs and Rōpū Māori felt a passionate connection with the Marae and had always wanted to graduate there.
“This should serve as a moment and a reminder that we are proud to be on a campus where we can make changes and our voices are heard. Our students saw something that we didn’t like, and they came to us in their hundreds with submissions and trusted that we would amplify their concerns. Our Rōpū Māori stood up and ensured they were heard and then joined us at the table to ensure we could reach a positive outcome for everyone. Finally, our University leadership also took all the concerns and passion on board and proved willing to change their position. Which is pretty rare among institutions,” said WSU President Lushomo Thebe.
“We want to thank all of the students and Rōpū, particularly Te Waiora, for their passion and expressions of how much the Marae Graduation means to them. We received submissions from all around the country, from Te Mana Ākonga, from alumni, all of which talked about how important a graduation that embraced Tikanga Māori was,” Said WSU Vice-President Stella McLean.
WSU PRESIDENT LUSHOMO THEBE (LEFT) AND VICE-PRESIDENT STELLA McLEAN ARE HAPPY TO SEE THAT TAUIRA WILL NOW HAVE THE OPTION TO GRADUATE AT TE KOHINA MĀRAMA MARAE THIS APRIL
For WSU, this isn’t just a successful outcome but the end of a significant consultation programme.
“We started working on this in early February when we were informed of the University’s decision. At a board level, we had several meetings with University senior staff and key figures to see why the decision had been made, and we asked our General Manager and the WSU staff to engage with tauira and find out what students felt.” Said Lushomo.
“That consultation programme included emails with Rōpū Māori, pacific and international students. It was obvious that students felt as strongly as we did that the Marae graduation should be reinstated,” said Stella.
Graduation is a significant milestone for all our students. Whether they choose to graduate at Claudelands or Te Kohinga Mārama Marae in April, the WSU is happy they can now focus on their celebrations with friends and whanau. It is a massive achievement, and we want to be the first to congratulate them.
For WSU, our focus is to ensure that student voices remain a part of the process, particularly with the upcoming completion of the Pā.
“We are now in meetings at both a governance and operational level to ensure that the students get the April graduation they deserve. After that, we will continue to work hard to ensure that students’ voices are at the heart of the new graduation ceremonies in the Pā” said Lushomo.