The patu parāoa, carved from whale bone, is symbolic of the ocean voyaging migrations that have resulted in waves of settlement in Waitaha Canterbury.
Pou Whakarae Professor Te Maire Tau of Ngāi Tūāhiri presents University of Canterbury Chancellor Amy Adams with the patu parāoa.
As part of Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury’s 150th celebrations and in acknowledgement of its Treaty Partnership with mana whenua, Ngāi Tūāhuriri, Pou Whakarae Professor Te Maire Tau presented a patu parāoa to Tumu Kaunihera | Chancellor Hon Amy Adams at a ceremony on campus this week.
The positioning of the patu parāoa (facing downward) reflects that it is indeed a taonga of the utmost value, thanking the University of Canterbury for entering in the partnership with mana whenua, while cautioning the recipient of the potential ramifications should the partnership end.
UC would like to thank Ngai Tūāhuriri for the patu parāoa that reflects the relationship between UC and Ngāi Tūāhuriri, and the University’s commitment to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
The whale bone was carved by Ngāi Tahu master carver Fayne Robinson, and named Te Tāwhiriwhringa o Māuru-rangi, the binding that was accomplished under the Nor’West Arch. The name reflects benefits of the treaty partnership to date, and the significant heat wave we have experienced to kick off our 150th year.
The evening’s hui was an example of how Te Ao Māori entwines the mauri (life force) of all natural beings, with attendees from communities across many cultures including Alaska, Hawaii and Stanford University who are being hosted by Ngāi Tahu and UC for the First Nations’ Futures Programme in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Looking to the future, the patu parāoa holds the promise for the next generation of leaders to continue working alongside one another, Te Aika says.
The patu parāoa is an important and special part of UC’s 150th celebrations, but it will also continue to grace our campus for many years to come.
