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Monday 19 March 2018 9:55am

Hawai'i-delegation-image
Gifting a paddle to Otago's Office of Maori Development were members of a delegation from The University of Hawai’i at Mānoa (from left) Otago School of Pharmacy Associate Dean Maori Leanne Te Karu, Hawai’i Associate Vice-Chancellor Research Velma Kameoka, Vice-Chancellor Research Michael Bruno, Otago Office of Māori Development kaiwhakahaere Tuari Potiki, Canterbury Assistant Vice-Chancellor Darryn Russell, Hawai’i Professor of Linguistics Kerry Laiana Wong and Professor of Education Margie Maaka.

A delegation from the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa is hoping a paddle it gifted to the University of Otago’s Office of Maori Development is the start of a long and fruitful journey.

The University of Hawai’i at Mānoa delegation, which included Vice Chancellor for Research Michael Bruno, met with the Office of Māori Development late last week, spending two days together.

The group met with representatives from Te Tumu, Te Poutama Māori, the Pacific Development Office and Professor Tony Ballantyne from the University’s Humanities Division.

"We have much to do, and we’re here because we know we have much to learn from you."

At the mihi whakatau for the roopu on Thursday, the delegation gifted the Office of Māori Development a paddle made of albizia and koa trees.

After the ceremony, Dr Bruno told the group he was impressed with how Māori are learning across a wide range of academic disciplines. He also acknowledged the work being done to infuse the Māori culture and language within the University’s programmes.

“These are things that we very much want to do at Hawai’i in the native Hawai’ian community, but we’re not there yet,” Dr Bruno said. “We have much to do, and we’re here because we know we have much to learn from you.”

Office of Māori Development kaiwhakahaere Tuari Potiki told the delegation they want to strengthen the relationship between the two parties to benefit all parties involved at the University.

“When we have been talking to universities about student exchanges, often the staff come in and say what about us,” Mr Potiki said. “Not just academic staff. There are also support staff who want to go and see how things are done in other places as well.”

On Friday the delegation met with Pro-Vice Chancellor of Health Sciences Professor Peter Crampton, before having a tour of Te Kāika. The South Dunedin health and wellbeing village is a joint partnership between Te Rūnanga o Otākou, the University of Otago and local health agencies.

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