Fourth-year medical tauira Antonia Hoeta (Pōneke Wellington campus) wears the kākahu (cloak) which was unveiled during the Otago Medical School 150th celebrations, with (from left) Upoko Edward Ellison (Ōtākou Rūnaka), Tūī Kent (Ōtākou Rūnaka) a staff member at the Kōhatu Centre for Hauora Māori, Dunedin School of Medicine Dean Professor Suetonia Green, Otago Medical School Dean Professor Suzanne Pitama and Professor Peter Crampton, also from Kōhatu.
A very special part of the Otago Medical School 150th celebrations was the unveiling of a beautiful kākahu (cloak) – a tohu that honours the legacy of the Medical School’s past, the achievements of the present and the hope for the future.
Upoko Edward Ellison (Ōtākou Rūnaka) was present to karakia the kākahu during the unveiling, a blessing which acknowledged the journey for this kākahu and its importance as a tohu of the 150 years’ legacy.
The kākahu, named ‘Piki ki te Paetae – ascending to achievement’, inspired by the University’s whakatauki: Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka – a place of many firsts, was unveiled by OMS Dean Professor Suzanne Pitama (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Whare).
Suzanne discussed how a kākahu is not created by accident.
“It is purposeful, it is a work of art and skill. Each thread is selected with care. It requires intention, a clear sense of what the kākahu will represent, who it is for and why it matters.”
The kākahu was designed and woven by master weaver Ranui Ngarimu (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Mutunga) ONZM in consultation with mana whenua, alongside weavers Kapuakore Ngarimu and Waimarama Heremaia. The weavers’ assistants were Te Rangimarie Ngarimu and Miriama Yardley.
The body of the hand-woven kākahu is made of flax fibres, with feathers from kererū, toroa and pheasant.
The journey of this kākahu begins at the hem with the piki mauka, or from where a journey starts, it then ascends to a series of paetae, which represent success on each journey (with a culmination of many firsts). The hukahuka (decorations) represent the challenges to be overcome.
Suzanne says OMS is deeply grateful to the many mana whenua community whānau members who gave advice and expert guidance, which was “crucial for the kākahu to come to fruition”.
Speaking to those who attended the unveiling, Suzanne recognised the generous support of alumni who provided funding through donations to commission the kākahu.
“To our alumni, we offer heartfelt thanks. Your ongoing support – through your time, your contributions and the legacy you continue to build – means more than words can express. This kākahu carries your aroha, your commitment and your enduring connection to this place.”
“The weaving of a kākahu requires planning, each design is mapped in the mind of the weaver and every now and again they add foresight and new meaning.
The deep skill of the weaver is passed down through generations, ensuring that every stitch adds strength to the story.”
As part of the whakamutunga on 1 June, Suzanne said for her, the highlight of the anniversary weekend was seeing many of those who attended putting on the kākahu.
The Dunedin campus will be the kaitiaki of the kākahu.
Kōrero by Andrea Jones, Team Leader, Divisional Communications