Under fire CEO quits wananga

Rongo Wetere's resignation had been called for by Deputy Prime Minister Michael Cullen. Picture / Paul Estcourt

Te Wananga o Aotearoa chief executive Rongo Wetere has announced his retirement from the embattled Maori education provider.

Mr Wetere's decision comes after Tertiary Education Minister Michael Cullen called for his head following a damning report on the wananga.

The Auditor-General's report found that millions of dollars of contracts were awarded to Mr Wetere's family and that he kept poor records about expensive travel that had not been justified.

Mr Wetere said today it was important that he remained in the role until the report was released.

"I am pleased that the Auditor General's report showed no fraud, no corruption and no nepotism and has allowed me to negotiate with the council about my concerns over their legitimacy and the future direction of the wananga," Mr Wetere said.

Long-serving Wananga colleague Bentham Ohia taken over the role of acting CEO

Mr Wetere said he would continue to work towards internationalising educational developments for the indigenous world

- NZPA