The largest Māori tertiary provider in the country has announced a proposed “organisational redesign” that will cut around 60 roles.
The measures were announced today by Te Wānanga o Aotearoa in a new strategy, Te Pae Tawhiti 2030, saying it aimed to map out the institution’s future direction to deliver “innovative, values-led education for learners of today” and “generations to come”.
“A proposed organisational redesign better aligns our people, structures, and systems with our vision, and responds to the changing needs of our tauira, employers and communities,” the wānanga said in a statement.
“Guided by kaupapa Māori values (Te Kaupapa Matua), Te Pae Tawhiti 2030 will expand the reach and relevance of mātauranga Māori and deliver high-quality education that is inclusive, innovative, and transformational.”
The changes would create new roles, disestablish some existing roles, and realign responsibilities, according to the statement. A reduction of around 60 roles was expected – about 4% of the tertiary institutions’ workforce.
The wānanga employed nearly 1500 staff across the country at sites in more than 80 locations between Kaitaia and Invercargill.
The wānanga said its priority was to retain as many existing kaimahi as possible by supporting them into new roles.
A key focus of the change would be in leadership, the statement continued, where there would be a “deliberate” flattening of the structure and realignment of roles to “lift visibility, reduce complexity, and strengthen strategic oversight”.
“Our kaiako are central to who we are, and all that we do, and this change is about ensuring they are supported to do their important mahi in the best possible way. There will be no reduction in kaiako roles.”
The wānanga aimed to shift its focus to delivery, leadership, partnership, and innovation.
Consultation would take place with kaimahi over the next few months.
In April, the institution marked 40 years since the official opening of O-Tāwhao Marae, in Te Awamutu, the birthplace of the wānanga.
For more on this kaupapa, watch Te Karere at 4pm today on TVNZ1 or livestream on TVNZ+.
