Ex-student 'disgusted' by wananga 'con job'

A former wananga student who praised the organisation publicly just 15 months ago says she is "absolutely shattered" by the latest allegations.

Colleen Holloway, 66, wrote to the Herald in October 2003 in support of the Cuban literacy and numeracy programme after it came under attack from Act MP Rodney Hide. She said the university's students regarded chief executive Rongo Wetere as the "Colossus of Maoridom".

"I stuck my neck out by writing to the Herald and praising them. It's an absolute con, it's got to be stopped," she said.

The Tairua woman and her husband, Major John Holloway, had enrolled in a four-year Maori culture and traditional weaving course. Mrs Holloway was also asked if she wanted to enrol for the Cuban literacy and numeracy course.

She did, believing it would help improve her mathematics skills and because of literacy problems among the Maori community.

She received at least 80 audio and video tapes free for the course, which she was to listen to and watch as she completed a workbook. The work was occasionally checked by a tutor but there was no class time.

Mrs Holloway did not complete the Cuban course. And, although she was "thrilled" with what she learned in the weaving and culture course, she left in August last year after her tutor ran into problems with management.

"I have been conned. I feel absolutely shattered. I was such a Pakeha and I was thrilled with the learning, the culture. It was a privilege. To see that it's a con job, it's a gravy train, well I feel slightly humiliated."

Mrs Holloway said she was "disgusted" by the behaviour of Dr Wetere. "I thought he was a fine warrior."

Major Holloway said he was now acting as a support person for another staff member involved in an employment wrangle with the wananga.

"We were grateful as Pakeha to have the opportunity but we have been very badly disillusioned".