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Eastern Institute of Technology in Hastings today celebrated its 40th anniversary and the 21st birthday of its marae.
Lee Kershaw-Karaitiana from the EIT school of Maori studies Te Uranga Waka says some of those involved in the creation of Te Ara o Tawhaki came back for the day, including Pauline Tangiora and Joe te Rito.
The buildings and taonga have been restored to their original condition.
Tawhaki a a legendary figure who travelled on te ara or the path to the tenth heaven to attain the kete of karakia, which he brought back to earth to benefit mankind.
"This marae is an educational marae and it is a place for all EIT students to comew, whether they have whakapapa to Kahungunu, Ngati Porou or wherever they come from," he says.
Lee Kershaw-Karaitiana says marae on educational institutions are now common, but it was still a radical idea when Te Ara o Tawhaki was built.
FOR THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH LEE KERSHAW KARAITIANA CLICK ON THE LINK
https://secure.zeald.com/uma/play_podcast?podlink=MzU5Mjk=
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