TE WANANGA O AOTEAROA - WHO AND WHAT IT IS.

In 2007 TWOA delivered 64 qualifications to 36,941 full-time and part-time students (or 18,578 equivalent fulltime students).

71 per cent of students completed their courses, and 75 per cent attempted all the assessments and stayed until the end of the programme. Student satisfaction rates were 96 per cent.

The programmes covered areas such as business and computer studies, teaching, environmental management, social sciences, Maori language, employment and life skills, and traditional Maori arts including carving and weaving.

The programmes with the most students were Te Ara Reo Maori language (24 per cent) Mauri ora (Maori culture and New Zealand history) (16 per cent), business management (19 per cent), computing (11 per cent).

The wananga has 853 fulltime equivalent employees (FTEs), down from a high of 1432 in 2004.

Programmes are delivered in classrooms, marae and at home.

New programmes for 2008 include business and the internet, clinical supervision, environment, prison service, indigenous research and Maori governance.

The wananga has 11 main campuses, and operates from 141 sites throughout New Zealand.

Student Profile: In 2007 the typical TWOA student was a Maori woman, 40, with no secondary school qualifications, who was working before enrolling and who may continue to work while studying.

Last year, 49 per cent of TWOA students were Maori, 24 per cent Pakeha, 18 per cent Asian, 5 per cent Pacific Island, 4 per cent other.

38 per cent of TWOA students left secondary school with no qualifications.

29 per cent of TWOA students were "non-workforce" before enrolling.