In March, a large group of new staff were welcomed to the Unitec whānau for the first staff orientation of 2021 and given the chance to explore some of our significant social and cultural spaces.
As always, our beautiful wharenui, Ngākau Māhaki, was the starting point where the manuhiri (guests) were welcomed, and became Unitec whānau.
Following the formal part of the pōhiri , everyone joined the kaitahi (shared kai), before setting off to explore the Mt Albert campus in small groups in an ‘Amazing Race’ type activity. The aim of the experience is to help our new staff to locate and identify special spaces on campus and understand how they help in forming an enduring and meaningful relationship with Unitec, its values and its people. It was also an opportunity to connect with colleagues and have a little fun!
With special thanks to Te Hau for letting his pēpi Te-Waiora Hona, be part of the New Staff Orientation.
Staff feedback agreed that the event was a great way to be welcomed on to the Unitec campus:
- It was a really enjoyable day and I felt very warmly welcomed. It helped me to advance a number of important relationships.
- It cemented my already warm welcome and made me feel really engaged and part of the whanau. And inspired by the passion our leaders have for their jobs.
- Was a wonderful experience. Felt really welcomed. All sessions were wonderful and food was great. My favorites were: Papa Ho, Powhiri and the amazing race. In fact, looking to include Seppo in my Teaching. Thanks. Ngā Mihi Nui.
Welcome to:
Adrienne Kohler
Aloalii Tapu
Anushka Jephson
Danielle Hawkins
Darren Sexton
Dean D’souza
Duncan Kirkman
Gabrielle Brown
Harriet Omondiagbe
Helen Anderson
Ivy Wang
Jason Cocker
Joanna Travasso
Kate Rodger
Ketaki Khare
Kim Telford
Lele Talagi
Liz Chandy
Masoud Shakiba
Michael Van Kan
Michelle Johnson
Rodney Greaves
Sacha Berger
Sarah Heeringa
Tessa Archbold
Tommy Atkins
Utkarsh Sanjanwala
Youngsoo Jang