Skip Content
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa 40th Anniversary

Sunday 27 April 2025 marks 40 years since the official opening of O-Tāwhao Marae, the birthplace of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. To mark this significant milestone, O-Tāwhao will host a special episode of the popular Taringa podcast, with invited guests sharing their reflections of the enduring journey so far. This will be broadcast live on Monday, 28 April and livestreamed on Facebook.

From humble beginnings in a double garage in Te Awamutu, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa has grown into the second largest tertiary institution in Aotearoa – distinctly Māori, community-based, and built on the foundation of whānau transformation through education. Founded in 1985 by Dr Rongo Wetere and Boy Mangu, the wānanga was born out of a bold local response to the failure of mainstream education to meet the needs of rangatahi Māori. By offering these rangatahi an opportunity to learn whakairo (carving) and raranga (weaving), they helped build O-Tāwhao Marae itself.

This hands-on, kaupapa-driven approach to education laid the foundation for what would become the largest Māori tertiary provider in Aotearoa. Now with more than 80 sites throughout the motu, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa empowers thousands of tauira each year to succeed through programmes in education, social work, te reo Māori, business, trades, and vocational careers.

Also marking the 40th anniversary is the release of Tihei Wānanga III, a commemorative publication that captures key moments and voices from recent years. A documentary film is currently in production and will be released later in 2025.

Chief Executive Evie O’Brien says the milestone is an opportunity to reflect on their extraordinary achievements and look forward with purpose.

“This kaupapa started with a few determined people who believed in the power of mātauranga Māori and education to uplift our people – and that belief still drives us today,” says O’Brien.

“We’re proud of what’s been achieved and excited about where we’re heading. Our focus remains firmly on providing the outstanding educational experiences our whānau deserve and to continue transforming lives long into the future.”

At the heart of this journey is the enduring mission of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa: Kia angitu te tauira – Tauira success. New offerings in Digital Media and Design, Study and Employment Skills, Māori Governance, and Building, Construction and Allied Trades are being developed to meet the evolving aspirations of learners and communities. They will soon launch its next strategic direction, Te Pae Tawhiti 2030, setting out how it will continue to evolve to support tauira, kaimahi, iwi and communities in a rapidly changing education environment.

The livestream will be hosted via Facebook for all to enjoy: https://www.facebook.com/share/1NKRcogmmk/

 Back to news & events

Published On: 24 April 2025

Article By: Comms Team



Other Articles

  • 20 August 2025

    Gain cultural confidence in the corporate world through Piharoa workshops

    Te Wānanga o Aotearoa’s Piharoa workshops empower corporate leaders with cultural confidence through mātauranga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Discover how this executive development programme fosters authentic engagement with Māori communities and transforms workplace culture.

  • 20 August 2025

    He aha tēnei mea te Tāne Māori? Tu's Rangahau journey

    Tutakangahau (Tu) Williams, recipient of the Dr Morehu McDonald Residency, shares his Rangahau journey exploring Māori masculinity and identity. Learn how his passion for reading, writing, and kaupapa Māori research is shaping his path toward a PhD and future as a kairangahau.

  • 14 August 2025

    Born to heal through rongoā and mirimiri

    Leeann Warena’s journey through Te Wānanga o Aotearoa’s Rongoā Māori programme helped her transform a lifelong gift into a healing practice. Discover how mirimiri, mātauranga Māori, and purposeful study empowered her to support others and embrace her calling.

  • 13 August 2025

    Tautoko turned transformation for Northland local

    Piri-Kapua Allen’s journey at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa began with supporting his mum and evolved into a personal transformation through te reo Māori. Discover how whānau, whakawhanaungatanga, and a supportive learning environment helped him reclaim identity and thrive.