Te Mana Whakahaere o Awanuiārangi

The Council is the governing body of Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi and is responsible for the overall performance of the institution.

Its powers, duties, functions, and responsibilities are set out in the Education Act 1989. The Education Act 1989 was repealed, on 1 August 2020, by section 669(3)(b) of the Education and Training Act 2020.

The responsibilities are similar to those expected of universities and polytechnics with added special responsibilities that are expected of a Wānanga.

Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi is a Wānanga as defined in the Education Act and is registered as such since 1997.  A Wānanga is characterised by teaching and research that maintains, advances and disseminates knowledge, develops intellectual independence and assists the application of knowledge regarding āhuatanga Māori (Māori tradition) according to tikanga Māori (Māori custom).

Āhuatanga Māori and tikanga Māori responsibilities are unique to Wānanga and have an impact on how the Wānanga looks, feels, operates and behaves.

The structure and operative style of the Council reflects the unique nature of Wānanga. While the Council and management are expected to meet the same compliance requirements as larger institutions in the university and polytechnic sectors, we are mindful that we are operating in Māori communities around the country, our students are predominately Māori, and our staff are mainly Māori. 

The tasks we face are challenging

Management, teaching staff and Council aim to make a significant contribution to tertiary education and our country.

The shape of Council is influenced by the environment in which we operate and by the Act that defines what we are.

The Council's membership reflects the relationship between Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi and Ngāti Awa. The majority of the members of the Council must be Ngāti Awa and registered with Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa.  The Tumuaki of the Council can only be elected from the six Ngāti Awa members.  In this way, appropriate recognition is given to Ngāti Awa for the critical and continuing role played by the iwi and its leadership in establishing Awanuiārangi in 1992.