Television newsreader Scotty Morrison is now a professor. The Rotorua-born Te Karere presenter has been appointed Adjunct Professor of Te Reo Me Nga Tikanga at Unitec's School of Maori Education Puukenga.
"I didn't expect it to happen so quickly, especially at my age," the 35-year-old said.
The NgatiWhakaue/Te Arawa descendant has tutored at the Auckland tertiary institute since 2002.
Morrison's passion for Maori language came late in life while studying for a Diploma of Teaching in Hamilton. Before that he had only a basic understanding of te reo and rarely spoke it.
"Once I started learning, I really got into it."
Morrison is only the second person to be made adjunct professor by Unitec's School of Maori Education, the first being Dr Pita Sharples, in 2001.
The title gives Morrison the same status as a professor without the necessary qualifications and is awarded to people who are strongly associated with the campus and are expected to make academic and professional contributions.
Morrison will offer his leadership, guidance and knowledge of te reo to staff and students. One of his first duties as an adjunct professor will be helping out Unitec with the protocols for their new marae.
Morrison said his new role was a chance to push an important message on which Maori scholars and leaders have long focused.
"People talk about education being an avenue to uplift ourselves as Maori people ... that is the message I will be trying to get out there," he said.
Morrison has a Bachelor of Education and Masters degree from Waikato University.
