Unitec marks 50 Years by honouring past kaimahi
Kaimahi ‘staff’ gathered early in the morning at the Memorial Gardens on Mt Albert campus for a Remembrance Karakia, led by Pae Arahi Matua Hare Paniora.
The karakia formally opened Unitec’s 50th anniversary programme, which will continue through to Matariki in June.
Unitec, then known as Carrington Technical Institute, delivered its first training on Monday 9 February, 1976.
“We gather as one to acknowledge the past through prayer, reflecting on those who have passed on and helped shape the Unitec landscape over the past fifty years,” says Matua Hare.
Executive Director Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga welcomed the gathering, acknowledging both the significance of the occasion and the journey ahead.
Peseta noted that it has also been 25 years since Unitec adopted its Māori name, Te Whare Wānanga o Wairaka, in 2001, and 20 years since the Waitākere campus opened in 2006.
“Regardless of what we may be called or branded in the future, it’s not about the labels — it’s about the people.
“Today we recognise those who have gone before us, including those who passed while working here. These are people who served not only Unitec, but our wider Tāmaki community.
“As we embark on a new journey, wherever that may lead, it’s important that we acknowledge our people. Reflecting on where we’ve come from helps us move forward with purpose.”
Unitec Chaplain Ricky Waters then read aloud the names of 29 kaimahi and former students listed on Unitec’s Memorial List, 19 of whom are commemorated with plaques at the Memorial Gardens. Colleagues and friends of the deceased were visibly moved as the names were read.
Kaitiaki-Taiao Hinewaimarama Reihana-White, alongside Hohepa Renata, Taurahere Marae, and Mr Waters, then led the planting of a memorial tipu/rākau (whauwhaupaku), gifted by Mana Whenua. The tree symbolises all kaimahi and former students whose names are not recorded on the Memorial List.
The gathering concluded with a waiata, Ko Wairaka Tēnei, followed by a closing karakia.
Morning tea was held in Te Puna following the ceremony. Unitec’s longest-serving kaimahi, Building Construction lecturer David Nummy — who has been at Unitec since its first year — cut the anniversary cake alongside Whaea Lynda Toki.
“I’ve seen many changes over the years and feel blessed to still be working here,” says David.
“I’ve worked with many people who have since left or passed on. We’ve come a long way.”
Opening Programme: Te Ara o Wairaka
The theme for Unitec’s 50th anniversary celebrations is Te Ara o Wairaka, acknowledging Ngāti Awa ancestress Wairaka, after whom Unitec is named (Te Whare Wānanga o Wairaka).
Kaimahi are warmly invited to attend the opening kaupapa events this week.
Te Ara o Wairaka Hīkoi
When: Thursday 12 February, 5.30pm
Where: Te Noho Kotahitanga Marae
What: A historical hīkoi and kōrero on the journey of Wairaka, led by Pouroto Ngaropo (Ngāti Awa leader and ancestral knowledge holder), followed by kōrero on the wharenui Ngākau Mahaki with Hohepa Renata, Taurahere Marae.
Supper provided.
RSVP: Hinewaimarama Reihana-White — hreihanawhite@unitec.ac.nz
Kaitiaki / Manaaki Whenua Day (Working Bee)
When: Friday 13 February, 9.00am–2.00pm
Where: Te Noho Kotahitanga Marae
What: An opportunity to contribute to the care and restoration of the whenua and taonga of Te Ara o Wairaka.
RSVP: Hinewaimarama Reihana-White — hreihanawhite@unitec.ac.nz
50th Anniversary Podcast Series
We are pleased to announce the launch of a podcast series to commemorate Unitec’s 50th anniversary. Long-serving kaimahi are invited to share their stories and memories, with interviews taking place from February to June.
To find out more or express interest, email unitec50@unitec.ac.nz.
Anniversary Archive: Memorabilia and Photos
Current and former staff are invited to contribute photos and Unitec memorabilia for inclusion in our anniversary archive. These items may be featured in a public exhibition as part of the celebrations.
Please send contributions or enquiries to unitec50@unitec.ac.nz.
A broadsheet of interesting facts from Unitec’s history will also be published on Te Aka.
A full programme of events for Unitec’s 50th anniversary will be announced soon.
