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ROSA WOODS / Things
Massey University unveiled its new Te Whaioranga or Te Whaiao Marae in a sunrise ceremony on Saturday.
More than 500 people gathered before dawn on Saturday for the tā i te kawa (dedication) ceremony held to bless Massey University’s new Wellington marae, Te Whaioranga or Te Whaiao.
As the whale emerged into the light, a ceramic solar system appeared on the maihi (bargeboards) and inside, contemporary carved, printed and fabric art forms were illuminated on the walls and ceiling.
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The maihi represents the Milky Way with carved and inlaid circles of sculpted and fired clay, telling the story of the cosmos and people.
ROSA WOODS / Things
The maihi tells the story of the cosmos and people.
“This is today like Massey’s offering to all the people of Aotearoa New Zealand,” said Wellington Central MP and Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson at the pōwhiri.
Te Atiawa iwi kaumatua Kura Moeahu described the marae as “the next level.” “This is just beautiful. It tells a story in itself, ”Moeahu said.
Whanganui leader Che Wilson said Te Atiawa invited his people to lead the ceremony at the blessing ceremony because of their close ties.
“We can sleep here tonight as the first guests. That’s part of the house opening ceremony, you sleep in the house to bring it to life, ”said Wilson.
ROSA WOODS / Things
The work to complete the marae took almost six years, about a third of that time was spent on design.
The complex includes an ātea (courtyard), building and restaurant.
Vice Chancellor Jan Thomas said the marae embodied the aspirations led by Titiri from the university.
“Of the marae I’ve seen in New Zealand, I would say this is the most beautiful. It will be used for meetings, as a teaching space and as a space for discussion, ”said Thomas.
Māori Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Meihana Durie said the contemporary design of the building reflects what the marae represents.
“It is a marae for the future. We want our Maori students and future Maori students to know that this is a place where they can learn as Maori, ”Durie said.
Photos of Te Huirangi Waikerepuru, a te reo champion and Taranaki iwi kaumatua who died last year, were placed inside the house for his spirit to rest there.
