The wait is over. From today everyone in the biochemistry building can enjoy the newly upgraded ruma kaimahi (staffroom).
Early Wednesday morning, Peter Williamson, the Rautaki Hononga/Kaitakawaenga (Māori Strategic Framework Facilitator) for the School of Biomedical Sciences, opened the new staffroom with a karakia. Head of Department Prof Sally McCormick acknowledged all of the effort by staff and contractors that went into the renovations, and then the assembled group celebrated with scones, muffins and coffee as the early morning sun flooded the room.
Our beloved staffroom still has its beautiful views over the the Leith towards the clocktower and across the Mellor courtyard with its trees coloured by the seasons. But now there are more places to perch, clean new kitchen facilities, and a fancy coffee machine.
Bronwyn's old office has been demolished and absorbed into the room. The wall between the old seminar room and the staff room has also been demolished, with a temporary wall currently separating the two. This will shortly be replaced by glass panels that can be moved aside to increase the space and cater for big functions like those we hold at graduation.
The staffroom plays a big, often unacknowledged, part in our science. Our scientists come to refuel, recharge, commiserate after failed experiments, celebrate after successes. And also where they cement socially, striking up friendships while waiting for the microwave or endulging at Happy Hour, friendships that lead to new ideas and collaborations. It's a place where students are encouraged to come and make tea and coffee and mingle with their teachers and mentors, and start to feel part of the greater scientific community.
Feel free to drop by, say hi, and check out the clean, modern facilities. Nau mai, haere mai!
Peter Williamson provides a karakia to open the newly renovated ruma kaimahi.
