It's been a big year for our students across the country.
Earlier the president of Te Wairoa,
the Maori student body at Waikato University
joined me to talk about the ups and downs of the past year.
There has been a decrease in the number of Maori University students
enrolling around the country, why do you think that is?
To my understanding finances could be a factor.
It's well-known that students live on a low income
while they're studying.
The cost to attend University is expensive
and the resources required to study add to that fee.
Some of those costs include food, rent and bills.
However there is another factor that has also had an impact
and that's student allowance.
Students who graduate will no longer be entitled
to student allowances.
What is the University of Waikato doing to recruit Maori students?
Waikato has range of scholarships available to attract Maori students
from around the country.
Our current students offer advice and information to mainstream
and full emersion Maori secondary schools,
so that they may aspire to University study.
Do you believe the success of student is measured on
how good the teacher is?
If they have a good teacher, the student is more willing to learn.
If we look at the history of Waikato University,
it has produced many highly regarded
Maori language exponents.
The history and reputation is sure to attract new students
who have that same desire.
When the Maori language exponents leave, they leave big shoes to fill?
Yes they do,
but if the teacher has done a good job,
their student should be able to replace them.
Have you seen this done at Waikato University?
Yes there have been many successful students who've taken their skills
out into the world.
Are you one of those students?
Maybe one day.
Hopefully.
What's your specialised subject?
Anything that works in alliance with the Maori language.
I've dedicated my life to studying the Maori language,
reviving it in my family and my young daughter.
I want to ensure the survival of my people and our treasured language.
Kristin Ross, thank you for joining us.