University of Auckland embraces new Māori name

Monday, 26 July 2021

Auckland University academics start new business venture, making native kānuka into liquid smoke.

The University of Auckland has announced a change to its Māori name, and will now be known as Waipapa Taumata Rau.

The university’s previous Māori name was Te Whare Wānanga o Tāmaki Makaurau, a more literal translation of its English name.

The replacement name underpins a new strategic direction, one that aims to “build respect for Māori knowledge” and challenges the public to understand the deep roots of Māori history and culture.

Auckland University celebrated the name change at dawn on Monday morning at Waipapa marae. The ceremony included a karakia and a plaque inscribed with the new name was unveiled.

**READ MORE:

The ceremony for the change of name took place at Waipapa marae.

* The subtle dig at Māori in race-based politics and how it's swinging voters' judgement

* Waikato University launches new artificial intelligence research institute

* Massey University 'next level' marae opened in dawn ceremony

Auckland University’s Ihonuku, Te Kawehau Hoskins (Ngāti Hau, Ngāpuhi).

The event was attended by representatives of the university’s Māori community.

Taiaha Hawke, senior cultural engagement specialist for Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, said the name change recognises the significance of the iwi that live in the city.

“There’s so many [iwi] that come to the university, live in Auckland. We think it’s important that they have a meaningful relationship, so we can build on it,” Hawke said.

“With the University of Auckland being right on our doorstep, working with a number of our own academics in the past, it’s a natural progression – but one that needs to be developed.”

The new name is said to better connect with the university’s location and its significant partnership with Ngāti Whātua iwi, said associate professor Te Kawehau Hoskins, who holds the position of Ihonuku (Pro Vice-Chancellor Māori).

“The University of Auckland is serious about its developing relationship with mana whenua and that must be demonstrated in our identity and carried through to our actions,” Hoskins said.

The name change will also reflect the university’s new vision, Taumata Teitei, a strategic plan that aims to create a place “where te reo Māori can flourish and where mātauranga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi are valued, fostered” and “protected”.

“We interpret Taumata Teitei as pursuing excellence, despite uncertainty,” said Vice-Chancellor professor Dawn Freshwater.

“It recognises the exciting challenges posed by the concerns of our age and is a contemporary statement of our purpose, vision and values.”

Michael Steedman, Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor Māori at the university, explained the translation and meaning behind the name.

“The name ‘Waipapa’ locates us in Auckland, relating to the nearby shoreline from which the university marae takes its name,” Steedman said.

“Taumata incorporates the many peaks or points of ascension – pinnacles or sacred spaces where the land meets the sky; places of challenge, achievement, and revelation.

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s largest tertiary institute, with more than 40,000 students.

“Rau means many or 100. The university and its community are made up of many peaks and so, many journeys towards success.”