Masters student enjoys Maori focus

25 August 2010

Henare Waihape's future was mapped out from an early age. Largely raised by his Kuia, Henare was told he was going to do something useful with his life, "and you didn't argue with Nan". He was the first in his whānau to go to university. Henare (Ngāti Kahungunu and Ngāti Pahauwera) is in the final stages of his double Masters degrees in Law and Science at Waikato, studying Environmental & Natural Resources Law and Marine and Coastal Science (Environmental and Resource Planning). He also has degrees in mechanical and electrical engineering gained during his eight years in the navy.

"In 2004 the foreshore and seabed issue was receiving a lot of attention and after some gentle persuasion by Nan, I considered law and science as an opportunity to protect and manage our natural resources.

"I was also interested in Mātauranga Māori [traditional Māori knowledge and understanding] and how it could integrate with government legislation like the Resource Management Act. I think Mātauranga Māori should be the fundamental resource management model, and current legislation should be more inclusive of Mātauranga Māori, not treated as a clip on."

Henare came to Waikato University to study, because for him, it felt right. "I liked the Māori focus; I felt welcome and received excellent support. Waikato provides an environment for Māori to thrive.

"I believe it is so important for Māori to continue to keep learning and to keep abreast of political, legal and economic changes as well as cultural trends. I've decided I can make a better contribution if I also continue to learn and upskill, and Waikato provided the environment in which to do so."