Central Plateau's Tuaropaki Trust is planning to send some of its people to to study at the University of California, Berkeley, in the United States.
Tuaropaki Trust represents several Mokai sub-tribes, which affiliate to Ngati Raukawa and Ngati Tuwharetoa. Its business includes geothermal power generation, dairy farming and horticulture.
Last year, a small team was invited to the American institute and the trust said in its latest newsletter it was working on a memorandum of agreement to get people to study at Berkeley.
It said the university would help the trust create specific lecture schedules for students, with an agreement also providing the trust with the ability to request placement in classes.
The trust is keen to create a partnership with Berkeley, highlighting areas it could benefit from such as agricultural and resource economics, as well as the university's food institute.
The trust said a partnership with Berkeley would be perfect to help it develop a food project.
, and that the university's expertise would help Tuaropaki to push for a fair and sustainable food system and feed struggling families.