A new agribusiness programme at Waikato University will aim to usher in a new generation of rural professionals to support the indigenous food and fibre sector.
The three-year programme, Tupu Rangatahi, Tupu Ahuwhenua – which could be translated as ‘growing young people, and growing the land’ – will be offered by the university’s management school from February.
Waikato University said last year the Māori food and fibre sector was integral to the economic, cultural and environmental prosperity to New Zealand with the wider Māori agri economy, including seafood contributing more than $2.4 billion to the gross domestic product.
The university’s project leader of international indigenous development, Te Kūiti based Luke Moss said he was excited about the opportunity becoming available to students.
Project lead Tom Woutersen said it was partly about bringing Māori ideas deriving from Māori worldviews into the work of educating rural professionals
Woutersen said the cohort would build skills via ‘experience modules’, field trips, and events, internships and iwi partnerships, expected to include Maniapoto body, Te Nehenehenui trust.
The programme is expected to start with a small number and build on it over time.
The New Zealand Institute of Primary Industry Management previously identified an unmet demand in the area, and contacted the university.
President Rob Macnab said the group represented 1400 mainly degree qualified rural professionals who provided advice to the sector.
They wanted to service Māori agribusiness on all levels, culturally as well as in terms of technical understanding.
Planning also involved calling on advisors such as Ngāti Porou farm management consultant Hilton Collier and Charlie Taituha, Māori Strategy and Relationship manager at Beef and Lamb New Zealand.
Waikato University was a natural partner in the project because of its existing academic programmes and approach to pastoral care – their ability to “wrap support around these young men and women,” Macnab said.
