September 17, 2015
Kingitanga Day celebrates unique heritage
Waikato University students have a break from classes today as they celebrate Kingitanga Day.
Faculties have put up an alternate programme of lectures, seminars, workshops and student activites to give them a better sense of the Kingitanga and Maoridom.
Pro vice chancellor Maori Linda Tuhiwai Smith says it's a way to celebrate the distinctiveness of the university and its close relationships with iwi not just Waikato Tainui but throughout the country
She says the Kingitanga gives the region a distinct flavour.
"It's what holds the people here together, it's a kotahitanga movement, it's born out of our history as Maori and issues relating to the taking of land and I think it's what makes this region unique. The kingitanga is a layer of complexity maybe other areas don't have," Professor Smith says.
Because King Tuheitia was not well he was represented by members of his family.
FOR THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH PRO VICE CHANCELLOR WAIKATO UNIVERSITY DR LINDA TUHIWAI SMITH CLICK ON THE LINK
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