Westpac Launches Cultural Learning Programme

Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi Partners with Westpac to Launch Cultural Learning Programme

Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi is proud to announce a new partnership with Westpac New Zealand to deliver Te Kākano, a bespoke cultural learning programme designed to strengthen cultural understanding across the bank’s national workforce.

Developed by Te Kete Tuangahuru, the Wānanga’s cultural development team, Te Kākano is a professional development initiative that supports Westpac staff in deepening their understanding of te ao Māori.  

Garner Gulliver, Manager of Te Kete Tuangahuru, says the collaboration reflects the shared values and aspirations of both organisations.

“Westpac sought our help to give their team confidence to engage meaningfully with Māori and iwi customers and communities, welcoming everyone through their doors. Our work with Westpac to develop their staff’s knowledge and understanding of te ao Māori can only benefit the wider Māori community.”

Launched internally in early September, Te Kākano is offered as an optional component of Westpac’s staff learning and development programme. The first year of delivery includes four foundational modules: 

• Te Tiriti o Waitangi – Understanding the Treaty of Waitangi 
• Te Reo Māori – Introduction to Māori language 
• Manaakitanga – Exploring the cultural practice of hosting and being hosted 
• Whenua Māori – Understanding the connection to Māori land

Fonteyn Moses-Te Kani Poutiaki, Westpac’s Director Māori Strategy and Indigenous Inclusion, says: “It’s exciting to have a partner that fully understands what it means for us to support our people to grow in their cultural confidence”. 

Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi is honoured to support Westpac in this journey and looks forward to the positive impact Te Kākano will have on individuals, communities, and the broader banking sector.