21 June 2006 University and Runanga sign charter of understanding

Education, research, cultural input, participation in decision-making and attention to the health and life of Te Waihora, Lake Ellesmere, are key pillars of a Charter of Understanding signed at Taumutu (about 30 kms south-east of Lincoln) on 20 June between Lincoln University and Te Taumutu Runanga.

The Charter formalises a long-standing informal relationship between the people of Taumutu and Lincoln University which stands within the takiwa (territory) of the Runanga.

The Director of Lincoln University's Centre for Maori and Indigenous Planning and Development, Associate Professor Hirini Matunga, who helped frame the document, says it is the first time in the South Island, and probably in New Zealand, that a university has signed a formal Charter of Understanding with a local tribe or sub-tribe. 

Lincoln University's Chancellor Tom Lambie said the Charter made formal what had previously been informal and implicit.

The signing was a “significant event in the history of Lincoln University”, he said.

The Chancellor paid homage to those now passed who had worked hard on developing the relationship and mentioned in particular the late Cath Brown and Riki Ellison.

The Chairperson of Te Taumutu Runanga, Sandy Hunt said the Charter brought “stability” to the relationship with Lincoln University and it was good to have “cohesion” between the Runanga and the University.

Lincoln University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Roger Field, said it was vitally important for the relationship to have some significant planned goals that both parties would like to achieve.

He would like to see those goals include helping Maori students by giving them a sense of welcome and connection with the local Taumutu region during their time at the University; continuing to have Runanga members as guest lecturers at the University; and setting up a plan for the management of Te Waihora, Lake Ellesmere and its associated streams.

Restoration of the mauri (special character) of Lake Ellesmere is a significant objective within the Charter and Lincoln University’s expertise in the management of natural resources is something the University will be bringing to the relationship with the Runanga, he said.

“The written words of the Charter are very important but the actions that will come from them are even more important,” said Professor Field.

Runanga member Denise Sheat, who is also member of Lincoln University’s Maori Development Task Force, said that the signing of the Charter was the “sum total of years and years of cooperation and endeavour” between the Runanga and the University, and there was “great goodwill” as both parties now “stepped out in style together”.

The Charter signing was attended by members of Lincoln University’s Council, Senior Management Team and Centre for Maori and Indigenous Planning and Development. The Runanga was represented by Manager Maani Stirling, Chairperson Sandy Hunt, and members from the principal families residing in the immediate area of the Runanga.

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand