A new Māori student executive support programme has been developed to support Māori student leadership at Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka.
Kiringaua Cassidy (Kāi Tahu, Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Takoto, Ngāti Mutunga, Te Ati Awa), a recently appointed research assistant to Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Māori) Professor Jacinta Ruru, is behind the new initiative.
Set to launch later this month, aims to establish opportunities to support tauira Māori leadership, Kiringaua says.
Kiringaua Cassidy
“The desired outcome for this programme is to create pathways for young Māori to flourish and thrive in their leadership positions.”
Kiringaua wants to play a part in establishing clear opportunities to support tauira Māori while he completes his Master's in Indigenous Studies.
It’s a purpose he is familiar with, having undertaken similar roles at the University during his undergraduate years.
Poipoia te Kākano will consist of wānanga revolving around Māori governance and leadership.
For eight weeks, speakers requested by both students and staff from the University will share knowledge around leadership and governance skills and qualities in a series of sessions.
“The goal is for our tauira to attend these sessions as opportunities to learn about leadership, to then receive the certificate from the VC signifying that they have been part of this kaupapa,” Kiringaua says.
Certificates will be presented at a hākari to celebrate the first year of Poipoia te Kākano.
“Hopefully during our wānanga and kōrero sessions our tauira will gain a deeper appreciation and understanding for governance and leadership from a Māori worldview.
“Poipoia te Kākano will set a clear plan and framework for each rōpū tauira to know how governance works and how to build on their leadership skills that they bring to their roles.”
Kiringaua will be at the forefront of running Poipoia te Kākano, and he will be supported by Associate Deans Māori and the DVC Māori Office.
- Kōrero by Brigham Riwai-Couch, Māori Communications Adviser