Campus Master Plan

Cultural narrative

Ngāi Tūāhuriri have developed a cultural narrative which has been incorporated into the Campus Master Plan, and are providing further interpretation to assist with its integration into each project. This collaboration ensures the values and aspirations of Mana Whenua are visible, accessible and are rendered in culturally appropriate ways in any future campus development.

UC Cultural Narrative Document (PDF, 623KB, 22 pages)

Mana	Whakapapa	Tohu
The status of iwi and hapū as mana whenua is recognised and respected.	Māori names are celebrated.	Mana whenua significant sites and cultural landmarks are acknowledged.

Taiao	Mahi Toi	Ahi Kā
The natural environment is protected, restored and/or enhanced.	Iwi/hapū narratives are captured and expressed creatively.	Iwi/hapū have a living and enduring presence and are secure and valued within their role.

Campus Master Plan cultural narative nga-kete graphic

For Ngāi Tūāhuriri, stories lay the foundations of their world, teaching them about themselves and their connection to Papatūānuku (mother earth), to Ranginui (sky father) and to all creatures.

A selection of these stories has been embedded into the Campus Master Plan through the Cultural Narrative. As with all good stories, there are embellishments and a degree of supernaturalness. The key is the underlying messages.

Papatūānuku and Ranginui

There are many Māori creation stories. Papatūānuku and Ranginui is the most common, but Ranginui had several wives, and Pokoharuatepō, mother of Aoraki who features in the next story was first. Telling of the formation of Te Waipounamu, the South Island, the story of Pokoharuatepō is just as important in Ngāi Tahu history.

Aoraki

The Ngāi Tahu creation story explains the southern landscape. Te Waka o Aoraki is the South Island. Aoraki is Mount Cook, Rakirua Mount Teichelmann, Rakiroa Mount Dampier and Rarakiroa is Mount Tasman. Together they reside on Ngā Tiritiri o te Moana – or the whitecaps of the ocean, more commonly known as the Southern Alps.

Tāwhaki

This story of a mythical hero who sought celestial knowledge from his gods is particularly relevant to a university setting. Tāwhaki’s ability to navigate the journey, seek and build strong relationships and his sheer tenacity to keep going until he reached his goal are themes that sit well with the purpose of a university.

Rākaihautū

This story tells of the first people to settle in Te Waipounamu, the South Island, in Te Tau Ihu, the Marlborough area around 1300AD. They travelled long distances, navigating by the stars in their canoe Uruao, captained by explorer Rākaihautū.

Tamatea

This is the story of Tamatea who captained Takitimu, another canoe that journeyed to the South Island after dropping most of its passengers in Te Ika-a-Māui, the North Island. The story describes and explains familiar Te Waipounamu, South Island landmarks and place names.

Sharing the stories

Ngāi Tuahuriri have shared their stories with the University through the naming of various buildings and places of significance around campus. These stories imbue the campus with indigenous knowledge and philosophies to broaden and enrich our appreciation of Māori culture.