Pouroto Ngaroto, Chairperson of local hāpu, Ngāti Awa ki Tāmaki, told the history of the area and took a group along the stream to Te Puna o Wairaka (the spring of Wairaka).
To celebrate Matariki – the Māori New Year – a range of activities were organised across our two campuses.
It was a wonderful opportunity for staff and students to connect with each other and to increase their understanding of Matariki and Māori culture.
Our week of Matariki celebrations began in Manaaki (the wharekai), with an opening karakia performed by Matua Chance, followed by hāngi and pudding.
Other activities included raranga whetū, a storytelling and guided hikoi session, art and design exhibition (open until 26 July in Building 1) and screenings of the short film ‘Te Iwa o Matariki’ (The nine stars of Matariki). A display of Matariki resources was also set up in Te Puna.
In a fitting conclusion to the celebrations, Te Tumu & Executive Director Student Succcess, Glenn Mckay and Director Māori Success, Toni Rewiri, officially launched the Māori Success Strategy in Ngākau Māhaki on Friday. They were joined by Director Pacific Success, Falaniki Tominiko, who launched the updated Pacific Success Strategy. The strategies outline the goals and actions Unitec has committed to over the next three years, to support the success of these two priority groups of students.
Thanks to all who organised and participated in these activities.
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Students from our Early Childhood Education bachelor programme led the Raranga Whetū (weaving stars) session at Mt Albert.
The finished product – Matariki stars woven from harakeke (flax)
Some of the participants of the storytelling and guided hikoi session, with Pouroto Ngaropo.
Te Tātai o Matariki – the Joining of Matariki exhibition in Gallery 1, Building 1 is part of Auckland Council’s month-long programme of events.
Te Tātai o Matariki exhibition, including raranga (weaving) pieces by Kaitiaki Taiao, Tanya White.
A table of resources is set up in Te Puna throughout Matariki.