Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira and Whitecliffe Formalise Education and Innovation Partnership
Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira Inc. and Whitecliffe Education Limited 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 inteligence 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 as Board Chair on behalf of Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira Inc. and Chief Executive Officer Dr Fay Amaral on behalf of 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 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 ensuring this partnership goes beyond intention, with a shared focus on delivering tangible initiatives, measurable outcomes, and enduring impact.
Key areas of collaboration include:
Co-design and co-creation of programmes and micro-credentials
Tool and resource development
Student engagement, including workshops, outreach, and pathway initiatives
Joint seminars, workshops, and conferences
Collaborative funding proposals
Curriculum mapping and pathway development
Joint research initiatives
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 is strengthening internal digital capability and supporting the development of skills aligned with current and emerging cybersecurity needs.
Looking ahead
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.
About Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira Inc.
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.
About Whitecliffe Education Limited
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 Teamcommunications@ngatitoa.iwi.nz
MEDIA CONTACT
Juanita Prinsloo
Director of Marketing and Communications
juanitap@whitecliffe.ac.nz