15 September 2026 at 3:30 pm
Strengthening Indigenous partnerships across the Asia-Pacific
A recent visit to Aotearoa New Zealand by representatives from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) highlighted the importance of Indigenous-to-Indigenous engagement in international education.
At the University of Waikato, from left: Associate Professor Ts. Sr Dr Nurul Hazrina Binti Idris, Associate Director, Global Strategy and Engagement, UTM International; Ōrini Rokx-Taratu; Ed Tuari; Lucinda Malgas, Global Engagement Manager, APAIE Secretariat; Associate Professor Ts. Dr Mohd Ariffin bin Abu Hassan, Director, UTM International and President, APAIE; and Associate Professor Dr Ajune Wanis Binti Ismail, Faculty of Computing, UTM.
A time to share kai, kombucha, kōrero and gratitude at Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato.
Professor Sarah-Jane Tiakiwai and Ed Tuari with UTM delegates Associate Professor Ts. Dr Mohd Ariffin bin Abu Hassan, Associate Professor Ts. Sr Dr Nurul Hazrina Binti Idris and Associate Professor Dr Ajune Wanis Binti Ismail.
UTM delegates Professor Ts. Dr Intan Zaurah Binti Mat Darus, Associate Professor Ts. Dr Mohd Ariffin bin Abu Hassan, Associate Professor Ts. Sr Dr Nurul Hazrina Binti Idris and Associate Professor Dr Ajune Wanis Binti Ismail, with Lucinda Malgas, Ed Tuari and Ōrini Rokx-Taratu at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi.
Professor Wiremu Doherty, Professor Te Kani Kingi and Ed Tuari with UTM delegates Professor Ts. Dr Intan Zaurah Binti Mat Darus, Associate Professor Ts. Dr Mohd Ariffin bin Abu Hassan, Associate Professor Ts. Sr Dr Nurul Hazrina Binti Idris and Associate Professor Dr Ajune Wanis Binti Ismail.
Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) Manukura, Chief Advisor Māori, Ed Tuari, and Kaitohutohu Māori, Advisor Māori, Ōrini Rokx-Taratu, accompanied the delegation during visits to the University of Waikato and Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi.
Through conversations focused on Indigenous knowledge, leadership and community aspirations, the visit strengthened relationships and explored opportunities for future engagement across the Asia-Pacific region.
A warm welcome at the University of Waikato
At the University of Waikato, our manuhiri were warmly welcomed by Professor Sarah-Jane Tiakiwai, Te Ihorangi Māori | Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori, alongside Nathan Rāhui, Tahlia Temple, Whetū Taukamo and Jaydene Meadows.
The kōrero explored how Indigenous leadership, language, culture and identity can shape international education and create opportunities that reflect the aspirations of Indigenous communities.
The visit also created opportunities to share experiences, build understanding and identify common values and aspirations.
Our heartfelt thanks go to Professor Sarah-Jane Tiakiwai and the University of Waikato team for opening their doors, sharing their time and knowledge so generously, and creating a space in which genuine connections could grow. The warmth of their manaakitanga was felt by everyone present.
Sharing knowledge at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi
At Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, the delegation was received by Professor Wiremu Doherty, Tumu Whakarae | Chief Executive, Professor Te Kani Kingi, Dr Cary Monreal-Clark and Professor John Clayton.
The discussions highlighted the important role Indigenous knowledge plays in education, research, innovation and community development. Participants also discussed the importance of Indigenous peoples defining their own aspirations and shaping how their knowledge, identity and futures are represented.
While the visit focused on relationship building, it also highlighted growing interest in Indigenous perspectives within international education. The exchanges explored how Indigenous communities across the region can learn from one another, strengthen connections and support future collaboration.
We extend our sincere thanks to Professor Wiremu Doherty and the Awanuiārangi team for opening their whare and sharing their experiences, aspirations and wisdom with such generosity.
Carrying the relationship forward
The generosity of both hosts gave our visitors a deeper understanding of how mātauranga Māori, te reo Māori, tikanga and Indigenous leadership are lived and expressed within tertiary education in Aotearoa.
The exchanges of taonga carried meaning beyond the moment. Each acknowledged the relationships formed and the commitment to nurture them into the future.
With APAIE set to host its 2027 conference and exhibition in Malaysia, the relationships established during the visit provide a foundation for continued Indigenous engagement across the Asia-Pacific, including opportunities to connect and learn alongside Orang Asli communities.
The visit demonstrated how international education can create space for Indigenous communities to connect, learn from one another and build relationships that extend beyond institutions and borders. While there is more work ahead, the foundations for future collaboration have been laid.
“He mea nui ki a mātou kia tipu te hononga i runga i te manaakitanga, te tauutuutu me te rangatiratanga o tēnā iwi, o tēnā iwi.”
It is important to us that this relationship grows through care, reciprocity and respect for the self-determination of each people.
