However, towards the end of 1973 they experienced great difficulty in even finding out the full details of the course, obtaining application forms, finding out when applications closed, etc. After encouraging many people to apply, Nga Tamatoa have found that much of their work has been in vain:

• only a few days notice was given of the closing date for applications.
• late applicants were told they would have to pay $20 if they wanted their applications to proceed.
• Many applications were never acknowledged.
• Some late applications were refused outright.
• Many people of outstanding calibre were turned down after being persuaded to apply.