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‘Kua hinga he totara i te waonui a Tane. He rangatira kua neke kei tua o te arai.’
‘Another tree has fallen in the realm of Tane. A chief has moved beyond the veil.’
On behalf of Manukau Institute of Technology and Unitec, we wish to extend our deepest condolences for the passing of Kiingi Tuheitia Paki Potatau Te Wherowhero VII.
A memorial service will be held in the wharenui of Ngā Kete Wānanga Marae, Ōtara at midday today allowing kaimahi, ākonga and our wider vocational education whānau to pay their respects.
We particularly acknowledge the strong and very personal connections between the Kiingitanga and MIT, which were formalised in the Kawenata signed with Waikato-Tainui in 2016.
Through the agreement, we have worked together on areas of common interest such as providing scholarships, increasing understanding of the history of the Kiingitanga movement and developing Te Tohu Paetahi Tikanga Rangatira aa-Tapuhi, Bachelor of Nursing Māori.
A delegation representing our providers will travel to Tūrangawaewae Marae to acknowledge Kiingi Tuheitia who advanced the causes of kotahitanga and mana ōrite with humility and purpose both in Aotearoa and internationally.
Please address any queries you might have to MIT Director of Māori Education Dr Wiremu Manaia or Māori Relationships Manager Nippy Paea.
‘Haere ki ou tupuna, whakapiri atu ki ou matua. Haere atu i raro i te rangimarie.’
‘Go to your ancestors and be with your parents. Go in peace.’