The University of Auckland

Waipapa Taumata Rau

On 26 July 2021, the University of Auckland officially adopted a new name – Waipapa Taumata Rau – gifted by the people of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.  Ihonuku, Associate Professor Te Kawehau Hoskins (Ngāti Hau, Ngāpuhi), said that the new name better connects the University to where it is located and highlights the significant partnership with Ngāti Whātua iwi. It is one that champions building respect for Māori knowledge and challenges us to understand that we are part of a whakapapa of historic and current relationships.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Dawn Freshwater welcomed the gift saying that the name resonates with the University’s new strategy and vision, Taumata Teitei, and its commitment to excellence and high achievement in teaching and research.

Michael Steedman (Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Te Uri o Hau), Kaiarataki, Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor Māori, who has been integral in working with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei on the name, said

“The name ‘Waipapa’ locates us in Auckland, relating to the nearby shoreline from which the University marae takes its name,” he explained. “It is the great landing place of waka and an important destination, signifying arrivals and beginnings, and new connections between people, and people and resources. It also references an exchange of knowledge and teaching.”

‘Taumata Rau‘ is an exhortation to excellence and achievement. It uncovers those attributes needed for success – including aspiration, hard work, and support.

‘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. Rau means many or 100. The University and its community are made up of many peaks and so, many journeys toward success.”

This year Michael took the time to briefly explain the origin and the meaning behind the new name, which you can also watch on YouTube below.

A few months after receiving our new name, the University celebrated Te Wiki o te reo Māori | Māori Language Week during the week of 13 September. There were many ways students could get involved and contribute to the University’s commitment to the revitalising of Te Reo Māori.

In Ngā Wharenoho | Accommodation, residents participated in karakia’s, learned how to play tī rākau, a Māori stick game, competed in a Kahoot quiz all about Te Reo and Māori culture,   koreros across the halls, made poi, and learned how to make traditional Māori kai at home, including Rewana bread.

The Sport & Recreation team encouraged students to get involved by hosting a Tititorea stick game challenge, opening up a Q&A on Instagram with Māori staff, and highlighting the different ways you can get involved in the Māori sports clubs on campus, including Ki o Rahi and Waka Ama.