Unitec is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year having taught its first classes, as Carrington Technical Institute in 1976 – officially opening on 9th February.
Please join us for Wā Maumahara – Remembrance Karakia to mark the opening of Te Ara o Wairaka: 50th Anniversary Celebrations, at the Memorial Gardens on Monday 9th February at 7:00am.
This event will kickstart a range of activities that will run from February through to Matariki in June 2026, including Ngā Kaitiaki Taiao Wānanga at Te Noho Kotahitanga Marae on 12 and 13 February.
The theme chosen for these celebrations is ‘Te Ara o Wairaka’ – in recognition of Ngāti Awa ancestress Wairaka, after whom Unitec – Te Whare Wānanga o Wairaka, is named.
WHAT: Wā Maumahara – Remembrance karakia
WHEN: Monday 9th February, 7.00am
WHERE: Memorial Gardens, Entry 4, Carrington Rd (below the old Penman House)
PROGRAMME
7.00am Opening karakia – Matua Hare Paniora and whānau
Karakia from diverse denominations/cultural representatives
Welcome Address – Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga, Executive Director
Reading of the names of those honoured in the Memorial Gardens
Planting of memorial tipu/rākau (tree)
Waiata ‘Ko Wairaka Tēnei’
Karakia whakakapī – closing karakia
8.00am Kapu tī (tea and coffee)–
Tables opposite Long Black
RSVP to communications@unitec.ac.nz