The Opening of Te Tumu Herenga Waka: 6 December 1986, Wellington, Victoria University of Wellington (Third Edition)

Abstract

After 25 years of operation, our carved house Te Tumu Herenga Waka is as relevant now as it was the day it opened. In fact, it is almost certainly more relevant because of the impact on Māori of 25 years of unprecedented change in New Zealand, including significant change in our universities. Developments in communication technology in particular have brought pervasive global influences to our everyday lives in ways that challenge the cultural integrity of indigenous people all over the world. In this context, our marae stand as beacons and reminders of the importance of global diversity and maintaining and developing the Māori way of life.