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Te whakatuwheratanga o Te Tumu Herenga Waka : 6 Tihema 1986, Poneke, Te Whare Wananga o Wikitoria

A SHORT HISTORY OF TE HERENGA WAKA MARAE

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A SHORT HISTORY OF TE HERENGA WAKA MARAE

The university marae was first established on March 3 1980 at 36 Kelburn Parade in a two storey house that used to be the home of Archdeacon Kingi Ihaka when he was the Maori Pastor in Wellington. Subsequently the house was used by the university chaplains. When they vacated the house a start was made to transform the structure into a workable university marae. On April 12 the first group of students slept in the marae house. After several hui the name Te Herenga Waka (the hitching post of canoes) was selected from many possible titles. This name and the name of the new carved house were a koha from the late Dr Wiremu Parker.

Carvings and tukutuku for the house were done under the care of Mrs Iritana Maihi (Te Whanau a Apanui) who was the first whaea (mother) of Te Herenga Waka. Takirirangi Smith was in charge of the carvers and Con Te Rata Jones was in charge of the tukutuku work. Gradually the wairua Maori was established in the house and one large room was decorated with carvings and tukutuku panels. The first tangi held at Te Herenga Waka (for Mrs Takirau Schutz) occurred in this building and it was here too, that we had our first large kawe mate for our colleague and student Mr Martin Winiata.

The first child christened in Te Herenga Waka was Kapua-o-te-rangi Smith, a niece of carver Takirirangi Smith and mokopuna of Professor Hirini Moko Mead.

Another momentous occasion was the dawn dedication of the carved poupou Taraika" now in the McKenzie block. All of these events occurred at Te Herenga Waka in the period March 3 1980 to January 1984.

Mrs Iritana Maihi (Te Whanau-a-Apanui) first taurima of Te Herenga Waka

Mrs Iritana Maihi (Te Whanau-a-Apanui) first taurima of Te Herenga Waka

On January 30 1984 the last hui was held at the first Te Herenga Waka. This was a po-whakamutunga (a farewell evening) to the house. At dawn the next day the building was deconsecrated in preparation for demolition and the mauri (symbol of the life principle of the marae) transferred to the house at 46 Kelburn Parade several houses up the hill from the first site. The necessary rituals were carried out by Ruka Broughton assisted by Huirangi Waikerepuru. The carvings and tukutuku were quickly transferred and all of the equipment taken out of the old building. By the end of the day, Tuesday January 1984 Te Herenga Waka had been established in a new home.

The first Te Herenga Waka marae at 36 Kelburn Parade.

The first Te Herenga Waka marae at 36 Kelburn Parade.

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At its second location Te Herenga Waka has been host to overseas dignitaries including the Ambassador of the Peoples Republic of China and the Ambassador of the Soviet Union. A kawe mate was held on May 23 1984 for Mihi Ashfords husband Mr Archie Tunganekore Ashford, and another on August 15 for Tawa Paenga's baby. Politicians argued their case in Te Herenga Waka in July, overseas Professors came, as well as thirty-four American medical professionals. The first marriage feast celebrated for our students occurred on April 17 1984 for Ani and Martin Mikaere.

In January 1986 earth was at last moved in preparation for the building of a permanent whare nui (large meeting house). The ceremony of the burying of the mauri (material symbol of the mauri) of the new house was held at the end of January 1986 and special guests for the ritual were members of the Rangitane tribe who had already visited Te Herenga Waka earlier, during the dedication hui of the carving of their ancestor Taraika.

The new structure is the third house to represent Te Herenga Waka. The old house will become a wharekai and administration centre for the marae and will be renamed Nga Mokopuna (the grandchildren).

Right: In front of the first Te Herenga Waka Marae, the late Ruka Broughton, Alison Green, Professor Sidney Mead, and Tamati Kruger

Right: In front of the first Te Herenga Waka Marae, the late Ruka Broughton, Alison Green, Professor Sidney Mead, and Tamati Kruger

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preparing the foundations of Te Tumu Herenga Waka

preparing the foundations of Te Tumu Herenga Waka

a few months later, construction is well under way

a few months later, construction is well under way

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the poutokomanawa are installed but hidden by their protective cladding

the poutokomanawa are installed but hidden by their protective cladding

the front of the house before the carvings were attached

the front of the house before the carvings were attached