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Salient. Victoria University Student Newspaper. Volume 36, Number 18. 26th July 1973

A Campus Marae

A Campus Marae

In terms of here-and now and long term planning, a campus Marae is seen as being as necessary to the Maori courses, education and cultural activites generally, in the same way as the VUW Memorial Theatre services Drama Studies, commercial dramatic works, films, lectures and other sectors of the university and the community; this theatre is one of the best equipped and serviced in NZ.

A campus Marae on a practical plane should provide opportunities for students and staff to practise, study and observe Marae protocol, the arts of the orator and story-teller. That is the aims of oral proficiency and oral performance can be fulfilled far more adequately than at present. The University would be in a position to minimise embarrassment of staff and students who have been extended hospitality by Maori Marae in their field excursions. I have heard the cry of exploitation from some Maori leaders because of the lack of feed-back that is of benefit to them and of the lack of reciprocal visits especially, which have a high cultural value.

Establishing reciprocal relationships with Maori groups is a matter of urgency in researching and recording oral literature and oral history, and also for extending the experiences of staff and students.

For years certain of our exams in orals, oratory and protocol have been conducted in groups among students and and anywhere that is convenient such as the back of the Philosophy Dept or its seminar room and kitchen, or because of wet weather in 1972 in the student Union lounges. Students at the end of each session have had to cope with a feast, a highlight and a custom we all enjoy.

We recommend that campus Marae facilities be provided immediately to cater for and fulfil the aims of Maori Language and Literature; to cater for Te Reo Maori, Manaaki and other VUW societies; to facilitate and maintain good relationships between Maori groups and VUW research teams.

Proposed costs are $5000 (a guesstimate) for a prefab building or conversion of an old building with amenities.