He Takohanga Whakaaro

It was with great relief but much relish that I was able to put the final touches to the text of the proceedings of Tuia Te Ako 2010, He Takohanga Whakaaro. The next challenge was to find images that told the story of the hui and the people who helped author that story, the delegates. Luckily my colleague Jill Tanner-Lloyd has a far better eye for these things than I and was able to locate some stunning photographs that complemented the rich kōrero captured in the presentations and workshops. Between Jill, the designer and I (ngā tokotoru tapu) we were able to come up with the document many of you will now have.

I have many highlights from the hui and most of these won’t be told in He Takohanga Whakaaro. I will always remember the stunning presentations from two of our most influential senior academics, Professor Whatarangi Winiata and Professor Sir Mason Durie. As I edited the transcripts of their presentations, I marvelled at their ability to analyse, innovate and articulate a vision that few have the ability to see let alone formulate.

I recall with much relish the part played by Doctor Rangi Mataamua as he glued together the hui programme with bi-lingual humour and intelligence. I of course have no memory of being the subject of his jokes at the hui dinner.

My abiding memory was the sight of Doctor Maaka Laws wandering around taking photos, talking and laughing with the widest grin you could imagine on his face. For me, the personification of the joy I felt from the delegates at the opportunity to be together as the whānau of Māori tertiary education. Many of the photos in He Takohanga Whakaaro were taken by Maaka and it was fitting that the publication was made in his honour.

With the planning process underway for the next hui, it is appropriate that you now start to make preparations to be a part of what promises to be a highlight on the Māori tertiary calendar, Tuia Te Ako 2012. Some of the whānau that came in 2010 won’t be there, but we honour and remember them and celebrate the ones we do have while they are with us.

Aroha tino nui ki a tātau katoa.