The Library team who were present at the karakia (front row from left): Donna Salmon and Susan Eady; (back row): Yvonne Sang, Sana Saleem, Stephen Brebner, Richard Eriksen, Vince Shepherd, Adrian Jenkins, Rolani Moasegi and Myah Flynn
Yesterday our Library team gathered, with others from across the Unitec whānau, for a karakia, led by Veraneeca and Kimoro from the Kaihautū team, to celebrate the new space for our kohinga Māori, book collection, now located on level 2 of Te Puna on the eastern end, overlooking the puna.
The new home for the collection, timed to open in conjunction with Matariki, is in a sunny and bright space, ideal to explore and enjoy the significant range of titles.
The space was identified by Richard Eriksen, Library Customer Service Assistant, and also a graduate of our School of Architecture. At the karakia Richard talked about how the site
was chosen and referred to the architectural principle of creating an axis – a line – to connect a group of elements, and the importance of connection to Māori culture. Using this principle, the axis connects our Marae with the kohinga Māori, through to the Student AskMe Desk, and Maia Māori Centre, all overlooking the puna and our whenua.
Subject Librarian Donna Salmon, who led the project, also explained at the event that while the kohinga Māori is for reference only, most of the books are duplicated in the lending collection, so can be borrowed. Donna would like to acknowledge the collaboration and support of the marae team, and others who contributed to the project.
Make sure you take some time to explore the collection and expand your mātauranga Māori.
Pictured left and above are some examples of the wide range of kohinga Māori available at the Library