ETHAN ROGACION (HE/HIM)
At a recent meeting of the University’s Advisory Committee on the Student Services Fee (long winded title, I know) ngā Tumuaki me te komiti whakahaere o Ngāi Tauira secured a landmark deal with Te Herenga Waka, ensuring that their executive is paid at the same rate as VUWSA’s.
Until recently, Ngāi Tauira’s executive (the Komiti Whakahaere) and its Presidents (Tumuaki) have been working unpaid. While this is true for most rep groups and clubs across Vic, the work that Ngāi Tauira does means that its workload is significantly higher than other groups. From representing the interests of tauira Māori on the University’s governance boards, to pastoral support and advocacy, Ngāi Tauira works to ensure that Māori students “feel comfortable and culturally safe within a Western academic environment.”
According to a statement published on Instagram, it was “only in the past five or so years” that Ngāi Tauira’s Tumuaki began getting a scholarship funding their work. This statement went on to say that, in 2024, Te Aka Tauira-VUWSA footed the bill for the Tumuaki’s pay.
In their statement, Ngāi Tauira explained that getting a remuneration deal with the University was important as the current arrangement means “only students who can afford to take on significant volunteer roles will put their hands up” to serve as the Tumuaki or as a member of the Komiti Whakahaere.
“With the current cost-of-living crisis, these roles have become increasingly unattractive. Another consequence of the unpaid work is that the Tumuaki and Komiti Whakahaere have frequently had to sacrifice their studies balancing these roles on top of their studies and part-time employment.”
Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Māori) Associate Professor Meegan Hall told Salient that, “Te Herenga Waka recognises these roles are critical for the University upholding its Te Tiriti obligations, strategic plan, as well as recognising the inherent dignity of the tauira Māori voice.”
“This decision will help Ngāi Tauira to fully realise their advocacy and leadership role alongside VUWSA, especially on matters related to the experience of tauira Māori.”
Hall said that the University recognises the significance of Ngāi Tauira’s work, and seeks to strengthen the relationship between NT and the University. “We are looking forward to Ngāi Tauira having more capacity to work with Te Herenga Waka to represent and support tauira Māori at a strategic level,” she said.
Ngāi Tauira thanked Māori DVC Rāwinia Higgins for her support, and concluded their statement saying, “This is a big win not only for us, however also tauira Māori associations all around the motu.”
“We hope this change encourages more accountability, better quality services for our tauira and positive hauora outcomes for future komiti whakahaere and the wider student body.”