Wintec Marae celebrates its first anniversary
Wintec Marae has marked a successful first year with an early morning powhiri followed by live entertainment and a birthday lunch.
Wintec’s Te Kopu o Kirikiriroa Marae celebrated its first anniversary with an early morning powhiri.
At 7am today about 50 Wintec staff and special guests attended a powhiri hosted by Wintec chief executive Mark Flowers, and Director Maori, Hera White.
Later in the day about 100 students and staff enjoyed a birthday lunch with dancing to live entertainment by student band Soulfej.
Wintec media arts student Leigh Barret could not believe it had been a year since the marae’s opening. ”it feels like it was only yesterday that we were here for it [the opening],” she said.
Marae projects coordinator Korikori Hawkins was very happy with the event. “It’s been really special, seeing the students and staff having a good time is just fantastic.”
The event marked a successful year for the marae which has a 98.9% customer satisfaction rating and hosted the first graduation in six years on campus in 2012 following the demolition of the first marae building to make way for the Hub.
The marae is a cultural space where students and staff can come together and integrate the social aspects of the learning environment.
It has a combination of traditional and modern features. The whiteboard walls inside the wharenui “are a big hit”, said Mrs Hawkins.
The marae’s carvings were designed and created by Tainui master carver and former student Warren McCrath. Standing at 7.5 metres is the main pou (pillar) in the shape of a waka facing Taupiri mountain and featuring the kahu (native hawk) representing the late Maori Queen, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu.
