The Tertiary Education Union says it is concerned that there are other motives behind the proposed closure of Maori Business Programme at the University of Victoria.
The Wellington-based university is proposing that it be closed due to declining student numbers. The programme started in 2000 and offers seven papers as part of a study pathway for four qualifications.
A union spokesperson, James Houkamau, said he believes marketing and budgeting could be underlying factors.
Mr Houkamau says if institutions can't stretch their budgets far enough, it seems that Maori programmes are going first.
He says Maori are making significant contributions to the economy and it doesn't make sense to want to close the programme.
The Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Commerce at the Business School, Professor Bob Buckle, said he feels the school can contribute to its Treaty obligations and to Maori development more effectively.
Professor Buckle said it is fair to say that the university has given the Maori Business Programme a fair shot.