Dr Te Tuhi Robust

Five new PhD candidates from Te Tai Tokerau will be embarking on their studies with Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi in 2010.

Associate Professor and Director of Operations (Northland) for Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi Dr Te Tuhi Robust said that the cohort of PhD candidates from the north come from a diverse range of backgrounds and will be undertaking exciting research in fields such as economic development, education and even Shakespeare.

"This reflects the growing contribution that Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi is making in Te Tai Tokerau," said Dr Robust. "This level of educational development has not previously been available for Maori and other peoples in the north. It means that they can now pursue their education to the highest level without leaving the region."

Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi signed a memorandum of understanding with NorthTec last year. Dr Robust, who was formerly Director of the James Henare Research Centre at the University of Auckland was then appointed to spearhead Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi's graduate and postgraduate delivery in Te Tai Tokerau.

"The relationship between NorthTec and Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi is working well and we believe that having a physical presence on the NorthTec campus in Whangarei has been of real benefit. We look forward to working with NorthTec to develop further initiatives."