January 28, 2021
Maori shut out of Unitec restructure
The whānau of the late Sir John Turei says they are taking back a portrait of the Tūhoe leader from the Unitec boardroom because of the institute's mistreatment of Māori staff and students.
The polytechnic is undergoing restructuring as it attempts to recover from a financial crisis created by previous management, which led to the appointment of a crown commissioner.
Sir John led the establishment of Te Noho Kōtahitanga Marae on the campus and made a major contribution to the institute’s culture.
But his daughter Tui Ah Loo says his legacy has been trampled by the newly-appointed Board and chief executive who have refused to engage authentically with Māori as treaty partners.
She has resigned as chair of the Unitec Rūnanga and says she is taking her father home.
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