David Lillis: New Initiatives at Massey University

The Massey University Curriculum Transformation Discussion Paper

Massey University has just circulated a discussion paper for comment - Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa - Massey University Curriculum Transformation Discussion Paper.

There is much to applaud here. It says that to meet the various challenges facing the university, it must focus on the curriculum, what it teaches, how it teaches, how it assesses learning and how the university supports students to be successful. It states that the university must shift from the curriculum as discrete blocks of disciplinary knowledge, to a coherent organising framework for the entire student experience. These initiatives are very positive. However, in this article we focus on current moves to indigenize the university because enforced indigenization must be open for public debate.

Bruce Moon: An Open Letter to Associate Professor Maria Bargh

27^th April 2019

Dear Associate Professor Bargh,

You are reported by Bob Edlin in “Breaking Views” on 19^th April[1] as having written recently,

“Te Tiriti o Waitangi reaffirmed Māori tino rangatiratanga and allowed for Crown kawanatanga. This partnership approach has been noted as one of the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi by the Crown, the courts and the Waitangi Tribunal. 

Te Tiriti o Waitangi creates obligations, including for the Crown to actively protect Māori rights and interests and to uphold the Treaty partnership. Ensuring that Māori are a key part of decision-making in local government is one of the ways that the Crown can uphold their obligations.”