Tuesday 19 February 2019 4:13pm
First-year Māori students arrive at Ōtākou Marae for a powhiri to begin Orientation Week 2019 yesterday. Photos: Sharron Bennett.
A record-breaking powhiri for Māori students has kickstarted the University of Otago’s Orientation Week in style.
Around 250 first year Māori students attended the event at Ōtākou Marae to mark the start of the University’s 150th year.
Office of Māori Development director Tuari Potiki told the crowd it was an honour and a privilege to host the students, a number of whom were the first in their family to attend university.
“There are many people here today whose role is to support you to achieve your dreams and ambitions,” he said.
The Director of the University's Office of Māori Development Tuari Potiki addresses the group.
In response, Dunedin-based Tainui kaumatua Pita Kara spoke on behalf of the manuhiri and spoke of the important role students have gone on to play within rūnanga and iwi.
“I feel so happy to see so many students from the fours coming to Otago,” he said. “The pen is mightier than the sword, and it is great to see more and more of our tauira with degrees, Masters' and PhDs. They are making a difference in our iwi.”
From around the world and New Zealand - the event was a chance to strengthen students' connections to Te Ao Māori.
Students from as far afield as England and Australia attended the event, along with academic and professional and student support staff from within the University.
For Sydney-based Jessie Urwin, of Ngāti Ranginui and Te Atiawa descent, the ceremony was an important chance to strengthen her connections to Te Ao Māori.
“My dad who is from New Zealand also encouraged me to come as well, saying it would be a wonderful experience, I’d meet a lot of people, and learn more about my culture,” she says. “I don’t know much about my culture being from Australia, but I feel like if I can be here I can learn more and be more involved in it as well.”
The event was the first on the Orientation Week calendar. The convocation ceremony held in the evening was the first opportunity for Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne, Chancellor Dr Royden Somerville QC and Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull to formally welcome all of the new students to Dunedin.