Two Waikato iwi have initiated an agreement with Lincoln University leading to the development of an agricultural training centre in their region.
Ngati Koroki Kahukura and Ngati Haua have signed a memorandum of understanding with the tertiary education provider.
Lincoln University says the agreement will also explore ways to equip students with practical farming skills at a certificate level.
The training centre will be set up on iwi land previously used by Maungatautari school near Karapiro. The land was returned as part of the Ngati Koroki Kahukura tribe's Deed of Settlement.
An uri (tribal member) of both tribes, Willie Te Aho, says Lincoln's involvement will provide benefits for local people including tangata whenua as well as achieve the university's goal to expand its presence in the North Island.
He says a tour of the property where the centre will be set up will be held with Lincoln next Tuesday.
Mr Te Aho says they will also focus on details of a certificate programme.
