By VANESSA BIDOIS
An urban Maori advocate hopes her new research will pave the way for long-term economic and social independence for Maori.
Academic Everdina Fuli was awarded an inaugural PhD scholarship yesterday by the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) in partnership with Te Whanau o Waipareira Trust.
The research director at the West Auckland pan-tribal authority, Ms Fuli will study Maori urban development with a focus on economic models.
The scholarship - which covers course fees and provides an annual allowance of $15,000 - is one of five awarded by AUT to celebrate becoming New Zealand's newest university.
The mother of a 3-year-old boy, Amene, Ms Fuli hoped her studies would encourage other whanau at the Henderson-based trust to undertake further education.
Her research will break new ground in that it will begin to examine the concept of Maori urban development, she said.
Commenting on recent allegations of financial mismanagement at the trust, Ms Fuli said non-Maori often questioned their work because they were at the forefront of change.
"You're different from anybody else and it's seen as unethical when, in actual fact, you're just pushing the parameters to move our people forward."
Associate Professor Pare Keiha, the dean of AUT's faculty of Maori development, Te Ara Poutama, said the partnership between the university and the trust was a positive response to the Government's commitment to close the disparities between Maori and non-Maori.
Other AUT initiatives to "close the gaps" include full fee-paying access, excellence awards, bridging courses, and "staircasing" which enables students to move from pre-degree through to PhD studies.
Research offers benefits for Maori
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