Whitecliffe and Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira Inc. have formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), establishing a shared commitment to advancing education, research, and digital capability development for whānau.
The agreement provides a clear framework for collaboration, focused on co-designing and delivering programmes in digital technologies, including emerging areas such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, while supporting pathways that reflect both industry needs and the aspirations of Ngāti Toa.
The MOU was signed in Porirua on Wednesday, 6 May, by Callum Kātene Board Chair, Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira. and Dr Fay Amaral Chief Executive Officer Whitecliffe.
At its core, the partnership is about creating meaningful opportunities for tauira and building future-focused skills grounded in mātauranga Māori and cultural identity.
“This kaupapa is about ensuring our people are equipped for the future while remaining grounded in who we are,” said CE Helmut Modlik, “It reflects our commitment to partnerships that deliver real outcomes for whānau and support long-term wellbeing and prosperity.”
“This partnership reflects our commitment to working in genuine partnership with Ngāti Toa to co-design education that is both industry-relevant and culturally grounded. Through our Faculty of Information Technology, we are excited to support pathways that empower learners with future-focused digital skills while respecting and integrating mātauranga Māori,” said CEO Dr Fay Amaral.
The MOU outlines a practical and action-oriented approach to collaboration, combining Whitecliffe’s academic expertise with the Rūnanga’s cultural leadership and strong community connections. Both parties are committed to making this partnership more than an intention, with a shared focus on delivering concrete initiatives, measurable results, and lasting impact.
Key areas of collaboration include:
The partnership is guided by shared values, including whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, kaitiakitanga, and kotahitanga, ensuring the relationship is grounded in trust, mutual respect, and collective outcomes.
A strong emphasis is also placed on protecting mātauranga Māori, with clear expectations that cultural knowledge remains under the kaitiakitanga of Ngāti Toa and is used appropriately and with consent.
The partnership is already delivering tangible outcomes. Seven members of the Ngāti Toa IT team have completed Whitecliffe’s Cyber Technician Micro-credential and have progressed into Ethical Hacking Practices. This pathway strengthens internal digital capabilities and supports the development of skills aligned with current and emerging cybersecurity needs.
Looking ahead, both organisations will prioritise early initiatives, including pilot programmes, community-based workshops, co-design of Kura Toa curriculum, and the development of targeted digital skills pathways. This phased approach will ensure the partnership delivers sustainable, scalable, and community-driven outcomes to support learner success and create pathways into education and employment.
This partnership reflects the Rūnanga’s broader focus on building strategic relationships that deliver meaningful, long-term benefits for whānau and future generations.
Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira Inc. is the mandated iwi authority for Ngāti Toa Rangatira, working to advance the wellbeing of whānau through education, social services, cultural development, and strategic partnerships.
Whitecliffe is Aotearoa New Zealand’s highest-ranked and awarded institution in the private education sector and is a long-standing Category One Private Training Establishment, established in 1984. It is known for its fine art, fashion, jewellery, design and information technology education.
MEDIA CONTACT
Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira Inc.
Communications Team
[email protected]
MEDIA CONTACT
Juanita Prinsloo
Director of Marketing and Communications
[email protected]
