Source: University of Otago
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Business) Professor Robin Gauld and Aukaha chief executive Rachel Wesley.
An exciting new chapter awaits in the relationship between a mana whenua-owned consultancy group and the Otago Business School.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Business) Professor Robin Gauld and Aukaha chief executive Rachel Wesley in a small ceremony last week.
“Anything we can do to promote Māori business is something I’m right behind. As such, this signing is saying Aukaha is an organisation we stand with and stand for.”
Under the agreement, the Otago Business School will offer one student an internship at Aukaha along with a $5000 stipend. This will be provided to a new student every semester over the next three years.
Aukaha is a mana whanua owned consultancy that also acts as a not-for-profit that includes five runaka from Waitaki to Hokonui in South Otago.
Wesley says the opportunities previous students have had to work with Aukaha have resulted in significant work for the consultancy.
“As mana whenua-owned, our main vision is to make the most of opportunities for ka runaka, and Māori and Pacific throughout the takiwā.
“We’ve enjoyed an informal relationship, and have been grateful for the support from the University through practical support with internships.
“We are very excited to be taking the next step to formalise this partnership.”
Students, representatives from Aukaha as well as from Kati Huirapa ki Puketeraki and Te Rūnanga ō Ōtākou were also in attendance at the ceremony.
Professor Gauld says the partnership is an important one for the Business School.
“Otago Business School has a commitment to Māori business, social entrepreneurship and Māori entrepreneurship,” he says.
“Anything we can do to promote Māori business is something I’m right behind. As such, this signing is saying Aukaha is an organisation we stand with and stand for.”
