10 Sep 2020

Waikato University academics ready to leave over racism backlash

From Midday Report, 12:15 pm on 10 September 2020

Fearful, intimidated and ready to leave - is how one Māori professor is describing the current climate at the University of Waikato.

Māori astronomer and University of Waikato professor Dr Rangi Mātāmua.

Māori astronomer and University of Waikato professor Dr Rangi Mātāmua. Photo: RNZ / Dom Thomas

More than 2,500 people have signed an open letter calling for the University of Waikato to eliminate structural racism and protect the jobs and careers of the academics who raised the issue publicly.

After initially disputing the allegations, the University announced last week that an independent review has been commissioned.

Professor Dr Rangi Matamua - who has worked at the University for almost a decade - told Māni Dunlop he can no longer sit idle, despite his fear.