Waikato strengthens its Canada links

29 October 2010

The first step on Waikato University's path to establish New Zealand's first Centre of Canadian Studies has begun with a large donation of books facilitated by the Canadian Government. In late October, Canada's High Commissioner to New Zealand, Her Excellency Caroline Chretien, came to Waikato to celebrate the more than 130 books acquired by the university library and led by Te Piringa – Faculty of Law.

The purchase of books was made possible through a grant of $2500CDN by the Canadian Government through the International Council for Canadian Studies with the support of the High Commission for Canada in New Zealand. That funding was matched by the Tainui Māori Trust Board (since replaced by Waikato-Tainui Te Kauhanganui Inc).

The bulk of the collection focuses on Canadian law and indigenous peoples, but also covers other aspects of Canadian subjects including environmental planning. Representatives from Waikato-Tainui Te Kauhanganui Inc, the Waikato-Tainui Endowed College and the office of Kingi Tuheitia attended the book presentation, along with Hamilton city councillors, other distinguished supporters of the university, and law and management students.

Law Dean Professor Brad Morse says the excellent collection demonstrates the growing importance of intellectual, economic, cultural and educational links between Canada and the Waikato. "The warmth between the peoples of both nations and the responses of each country to the many common experiences that warrant closer inspection are receiving ever greater attention by students and academics. The presence of a key focus on indigenous issues in Canada also reflects increasing ties between Māori and First Nations at individual and tribal levels. This new collection will, hopefully, spur further donations and acquisitions in the very near future."

Books handed over: Robert Joseph (Law), Sarah-Jane Tiakiwai (Waikato Tainui College for Research and Development), Brad Morse (Faculty of Law Dean), Caroline Chretien, High Commissioner of Canada to NZ, Ross Hallett (Library), Kay Young (Law Library) and Linda Te Aho. Photo: Stephen Barker/Barker Photography.