Wananga chief cuts solemn figure at hui

The sight of a tired Te Wananga o Aotearoa head Rongo Wetere shuffling up to the stage at this week's hui taumata in Wellington dented suggestions the summit was a Government-led Maori feel-good exercise.

Words of encouragement and of concern from a who's who of Maoridom as the grey-haired kaumatua entered Te Papa left little for the Government to feel good about.

Eyes hidden by dark glasses and flanked by staff and fiancee Marcia Krawll, Dr Wetere cut a solemn figure.

Murmuring of concern about his and the wananga's treatment by the media and politicians had peppered private discussions throughout the summit.

Dr Wetere thanked the organisers of the event, of which Te Wananga O Aotearoa is a sponsor, for the opportunity to speak and promised to not "say anything too outlandish to embarrass" them.

Sticking to day two's theme - developing people - Dr Wetere said the wananga's focus was driven by a need to increase Maori participation in tertiary education, a group largely ignored by fee-charging universities and polytechnics.

"I knew that unless we could break that concept Maori participation would be forever low. Their standards within New Zealand will be forever low, and their equity in this country of ours will continue to be denied. And that is exactly what is going to happen if the Government gets its way."

Dr Wetere launched into Education Minister Trevor Mallard, saying he was intent on closing down the wananga. "We have a totally hostile minister who has lost the plot, and is trying to send us [Maori] back 100 years. Education is the most important thing that our people need.

"We have developed programmes to get Maori in business, to get Maori into education."

He said accusations levelled at the wananga were "not true", but did not go into detail.

Dr Wetere was also critical of the Government's decision to "withhold a $20 million loan" agreed to as part of the institute's Treaty of Waitangi settlement.

He urged those present to support him and his organisation.

"Now it is time to stand up and be counted. I would ask this hui taumata to provide its support to the wananga. We can't stand up alone."

While about 40 of the more than 200 people in the main theatre stood to applaud the embattled Maori leader, the balance clapped but remained seated.

A Maori leader spoken to after the address said support from Maoridom was earned, not asked for, and suggested there should have been greater humility in Dr Wetere's speech.

"Maori support him because he is being unfairly attacked, but we, too, want proof there is no truth to some of these allegations."