New Māori and Pasifika leader welcomed at Manawatū

Dr Selwyn Katene (Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Tama, Ngāruahine, Ngāti Tūwharetoa) was officially welcomed into his new position as Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Māori and Pasifika) on Monday.

A pōwhiri was held at University House at the Manawatū campus where Dr Katene will spend three days each week, with the remainder at the Wellington campus. The ceremony included a haka pōwhiri (welcome haka) performed by staff and students and a tau’olunga – a traditional Tongan dance performed in honour of Dr Katene by Pasifika director Professor Sitaleki Finau.

University Vice-Chancellor Steve Maharey said it was a pleasure to welcome Dr Katene into the senior leadership team.

“Our responsibility as a University is to ensure that the knowledge, skill base, research, and body of knowledge that Māori and Pasifika communities bring is reflected in society,” Mr Maharey said. “It is by no means a small task.”

Dr Katene said that part of his role would be to continue the work of his predecessor Sir Mason Durie.

“My role will be to build on the work of Sir Mason and ensure that we continue to respond to the needs of Māori and Pasifika communities,” he said. “I look forward to what the role will bring – it is a big ask. It is definitely an opportunity for Massey University to make a bigger contribution to Māori and Pasifika communities.”