A pōwhiri marked the commencement of studies for the first cohort of Whenua Kura students. Te Ngāi Tūāhuriri welcomed the students at the event attended by the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment, Hon Steven Joyce at Maahunui Tuarua marae, Tuahiwi on Wednesday 6 August, 2014. The 14 Māori students, ranging in age from 18-28 years old also received their full-fee scholarships at the event. Whenua Kura is an iwi-led initiative that includes studying toward Lincoln University qualifications, specialising in land-based studies, work placements on Ngāi Tahu farms, a Māori approach to learning, as well as guidance and support through to employment. Whenua Kura student Papataitua Harrington said he has been enjoying the Whenua Kura course so far. “It’s an awesome group with heaps of different personalities – everyone is bringing their own thing to the course.” He said the students have been assisting with calving, “Getting the calves … Continue reading Māori students ready for best-practice farming