ACT Party calls for removal of mandatory Maori studies for first-year students

The leader of New Zealand’s libertarian ACT Party, David Seymour, is urging Auckland University to stop what he refers to as the “indoctrination” of first-year students by mandating them to pass compulsory courses on Māori history.

The courses, known as “Waipapa Taumata Rau,” cover the Treaty of Waitangi and traditional Māori knowledge systems, with international students paying up to $5,370 for the course, which is comparable to the cost of other 100-level courses for international students. This course was introduced this semester.

Last year, the university fell out of the Times Higher Education top 150 universities ranking for the first time since 2020.

Seymour expressed that it was apparent the university had not acknowledged the change in government. He emphasized that while universities have autonomy over their curriculums, he plans to “appoint better people” to the university council, which he believes holds the final decision-making authority.

He noted that professors are typically allowed to criticize course materials and highlighted the unusual nature of a mandatory course across the entire university.

“It is essentially a form of indoctrination because it’s largely being taught by individuals outside a specific faculty for political motives rather than educational ones,” he stated.

“Regrettably, I’m hearing from many individuals, especially within the constituency I represent, that they are considering attending universities abroad because they feel incapable of voicing their opinions against such standards, knowing it is not conducive to their future.

While the population within Seymour’s electorate of Epsom is mainly European, there is a significant Asian presence. The median household income is $118,300, the highest among all New Zealand electorates.

A university spokesperson defended the courses, stating that they are pertinent to the students’ academic pursuits.

“The courses revolve around knowledge related to this location, the Treaty, our university, our city, and our nation, and why it is essential for their academic program,” the spokesperson told the New Zealand Herald.

There are five distinct courses available, one for each faculty, which will be particularly beneficial for students arriving from outside Auckland, including international students.

“The courses provide fundamental knowledge and crucial skills to assist new students in transitioning to university, aiding their adjustment to university life, and preparing them for success in their future studies.”