A professor with an international reputation for research in the field of Maori education will host a talk in Wanaka later this month.

Emeritus professor Russell Bishop, from the University of Waikato, has a speciality in addressing disparity in educational achievement.

His talk is called ‘Teaching to the North-East: A reflection on a career in Maori education’, which will draw on his extensive experience.

Russell’s research in the area of collaborative storying as Kaupapa Māori has given rise to national and international publishing, including the books ‘Collaborative Research Stories: Whakawhanaungatanga’, ‘Culture Counts: Changing Power Relationships in Classrooms’, ‘Pathologising Practices’, ‘Culture Speaks’ and ‘Scaling Up Education Reform’.

His career, as well as a foundation professor for Māori Education in the School of Education at the University of Waikato, includes roles as senior lecturer in Māori Education in the Education Department at the University of Otago and Interim Director for Otago University's Teacher Education programme. 

He is also a qualified and experienced secondary school teacher.

Russell’s talk, which is open to the public, will take place at the Mount Aspiring U3A AGM on May 27.

U3A is an international movement that provides intellectual stimulation for those in the community now living in their ‘third age’ - typically those people no longer in full-time employment.  

Mount Aspiring U3A president Dr Allan Maclean said the continuing growth of Wanaka is reflected with two U3A groups now being well established in the town.

The group continues to grow, he said, with more than 130 members now enjoying the monthly meetings.

The Mount Aspiring U3A also provides a wide range of study groups where members join together to pursue interests as diverse as astronomy, local history, and whisky appreciation. 

“Our study groups are a very popular aspect of our group, and new members are made most welcome,” Allan said.

Professor Russell Bishop’s lecture will be held at the Wanaka New Life Church at 1.45pm on May 27, and it is open to interested members of the public for a $5 donation.

PHOTO: Supplied