Partnership paves way for closer links with Hawaii (+video)

CLOSER TIES: Waiariki Institute of Technology welcomed the University of Hawaii Community Colleges staff exchange programme. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER

A Rotorua tertiary provider has entered an international partnership which will see it share tips on indigenous education.

Waiariki Institute of Technology has signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Hawaii Community Colleges with the overall aim of professional development.

As part of the new relationship, nine senior staff members from Hawaii are taking part in a staff exchange in Rotorua, where they will learn about Waiariki's bicultural protocols and the indigenisation of its curriculum.

Waiariki Centre for Business, Research and Enterprise associate professor head Clarke Raymond said they were excited to be hosting the delegation.

"This is an excellent opportunity to develop a lasting and valuable relationship with an overseas tertiary provider network that faces many of the same challenges and opportunities we face."

Mr Raymond said both parties sought to share experiences, knowledge and practice, with emphasis on providing tertiary education services and opportunities to indigenous learners.

"Waiariki views this as a first step in a long-term partnership between our organisations, with opportunities for collaboration and shared learning across a range of activities, including teaching, support services, staff development and research.

"We look forward to the return delegation of staff to visit Hawaii later in the year."

Kapi'olani Community College spokeswoman Louise Pagotto said one of its strategic goals was to become a premier indigenous serving institution.

"We have so much to learn from the successes of institutions in Aotearoa. We will be interested in learning about the integration of Maori culture and values into content and pedagogy, integration of Maori ways into classrooms and co-curricular activities, and infusion of Maori culture and values into programmes designed to support student success."