Rich in cultural meaning, Te Tumu Herenga Waka is a repository of legends, traditions, and knowledge.
Te Tumu Herenga Waka (the whare whakairo) opened in 1986. Professor Sir Hirini Moko Mead, along with Wiremu Parker and the tohunga Ruka Broughton, were instrumental in the development of the carved meeting house. At the whakatuwheratanga, Sir Mead spoke about the relevance of the house and his words continue to resonate strongly.
A carved house is rich in cultural meaning; it is a repository of legends, traditions and knowledge. There is no other structure today that best symbolises Māori space and values. While the wharenui is legacy of the past, itʻs as relevant today now as it was before. If anything, it is even more important now because we expect more of it, we build into it greater significance, invest it with more
manaMana can be loosely translated as prestige but in its fuller sense means a great deal more, the power and authority that stems from being in the right relationship with spiritual sources of power.
and
tapuSacred, prohibited, under protection.
and we view is as an extension of our being Māori.
Professor Sir Hirini Moko Mead
Te Whakatuwheratanga o Te Tumu Herenga Waka, 6 December 1986
Te Tumu Herenga Waka means 'the hitching post of canoes', and symbolises the diversity of students from various iwi and waka who gather at the University. Named by the late Dr Wiremu Parker, it reflects the idea of unity, bringing together students from different backgrounds into a shared space for learning and growth.
The reopening of the whare whakairo and the Living Building™ on 6 December 2024.
More about the whare whakairo
Te Whakatūwheratanga o Te Tumu Herenga Waka is a short book that honours the history of the University's marae. It was originally released on 6 December 1986 for the opening of the whare whakairo, and is now in its third edition.
