Creative Industry Dance students performing at Staff Awards 2022
Celebrating the students, the rich history and amazing people who’ve played a key role in shaping Unitec from its inception to the present day was a central focus at this year’s Staff Excellence Awards.
Te Pou Manawa, Darlene Cameron led the celebrations this year as MC and worked alongside Creative Industries lecturer, Paul Young to organise and coordinate the astounding opening act delivered by our third-year dance students.
The enduring connection established to the whakapapa and whenua of Te Whare Wānanga o Wairaka was evident in their powerful performance.
A heartfelt reflection on events and people of the past that played a key role in embedding a value and respect for Te Ao Māori and the establishment of Te Noho Kotahitanga at Unitec was shared by Pae Ārahi, Matua Hare Paniora.
“I’ve been a member of the whānau at Te Whare Wānanga o Wairaka for more than 31 years and when I first started here, I never imagined that one day, everyone would be able to recite our opening and closing karakia off by heart. It fills me with pride to know that when I am asked to open ceremonies with karakia, it is not just me, it is all of us here at Unitec that lead in this space now.”
Matua Hare paid tribute to Tā Te Ahikaiata (John) Turei, Takutai Wikiriwhi and Haare Williams who were instrumental in the creation of Te Noho Kotahitanga. He shared fond memories and a deep admiration for Haare Williams, whom he worked alongside for many years. In 1996 a milestone was reached when Haare Williams was appointed as Unitec’s first-ever Pae Ārahi.
This years Staff Awards Winners
“Haare is extremely intelligent, he is knowledgeable and has a generous and kind heart. He is also a very humble man and he would not like to be put on a pedestal for what he has helped achieve here. However, his contribution cannot be ignored.”
One of the most memorable experiences shared by Matua Hare was participating in Ngā Tapuwae in 2007, which saw more than 170 volunteers come together to help carry the pou of our whare Ngākau Māhaki to the site of Te Noho Kotahitanga Marae.
“People had to get medical clearance certificates to be a part of the team that carried the Pou 800 meters from way down by Building 1, to where they now stand. The weight of the pou meant there were frequent swap overs and changing of kaikawe (carriers). They were from all cultures, there were young people and elderly people who took part and the sheer determination and unity felt on that day was something I will never ever forget.
Matua Hare said he was looking forward to the journey ahead with Te Pūkenga and was proud to know the connection and bond between Te Whare Wānanga o Wairaka and Te Noho Kotahitanga would endure and never ever be broken.
View the video featured after Matua Hare’s speech here: He Hokinga Mahara 2022