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March 21, 2023
Harbour stream inspires new name for Otago University
Peter Verschaffelt
Posted On March 21, 2023
Download AudioŌtākou Māori are backing a plan to change the Māori name of the University of Otago from Te Whare Wānanga o Otāgo to Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka.
Kaumatua Edward Ellison says it’s part of a process the university is undergoing to become more te tiriti-led and develop a partnership with mana whenua.
He says the name, meaning a place of many firsts, has been used as a metaphor for the Otakau channel bringing life into Otago Harbour, and it could equally apply to the university.
“I believe it beds that name in an historical feature of the harbour. It is so important for all people going in and ou of this place. It’s a doorway to the world and a doorway for the world into this area here. Yes, I think it’s completely tika,” Mr Ellison says.A new tohu created in collaboration with mana whenua would replace the existing university coat of arms in many situations, with coat of arms’ use retained in ceremonial settings such as graduation events and in locations such as university colleges.
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