Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Waikato-Tainui masters degree meets leaders' vision

Updated at 7:55 pm on 9 February 2012

An iwi-run college says it's to offer a Masters in Tahuhu Matauranga Maori, or Maori knowledge.

Waikato-Tainui College for Research and Development is supplying the degree through a partnership with Te Wananga o Raukawa.

The tribe says the masters degree is part of the overall vision of the late Tainui treaty negotiator Sir Robert Mahuta, who wanted to develop the next generation of Maori leaders.

Sir Robert warned rangatahi to get an education or perish.

In offering Tahuhu Matauranga Maori, it's also meeting part of the vision of the late Maori Queen, Dame Te Atairangikaahu.

She emphasised the need for Maori to hold fast to te reo, respect tikanga and be proud and confident in their cultural identity.

Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand