The head of Maori studies at a Taranaki tertiary institute has resigned in the wake of an investigation into its National Certificate in Maori Performing Arts course.
It has been alleged at least one student at the Western Institute of Technology graduated from the National Certificate without completing the required coursework in 2012.
In an email to staff on Thursday chief executive Barbara George said executive director Tengaruru Wineera has resigned for personal and health reasons.
On Wednesday an internal memo said five staff had been suspended pending the completion of an inquiry by the institute, the Tertiary Education Commission and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.
In that memo Ms George said that preliminary findings of the investigation into the performing arts course had identified irregularities with its processes and outcomes.