New EIT poutā hū welcomed
Pō hiri brings in Patrick Hape as new executive director Māori
On Thursday, February 10, a pō hiri was held at Te Ara o Tā whaki Marae, EIT Hawke’s Bay, to welcome Patrick Hape as the new poutā hū , executive director Mā ori.
A pō hiri encapsulates the formal welcome ceremony onto the marae. In this instance, the EIT staff formed the tangata whenua role and welcomed Patrick and his whā nau on to the marae.
During the karanga (calling), acknowledgments were made to Patrick’s late grandmother who passed away in recent weeks. The call is the process where women welcome the visitors and both sides will pause and mourn their respective losses.
It is believed that the visitors carry the spirits of their recently departed loved ones and they are present in spirit for a short time. Tears were shed on both sides as loved ones were mourned.
The opening speaker of the tangata whenua side was Ngā ti Kahungunu kaumā tua Matiu Eru. Matiu recited ancient incantations to clear the way for the speech-making to begin. The sentiments of farewell to Patrick’s late grandmother were reiterated again. Matiu also welcomed the elders that had accompanied Patrick along with the representatives of the Rangikoianake hapū .
The second speaker of the tangata
whenua was Petera Hakiwai. Petera and Patrick both attended Te Aute College.
Jovial banter was expressed given that the former director hailed from Hato Pā ora College, and the incoming is a Te Aute old boy.
Petera also acknowledged his
relationship with the Hape whā nau, recalling their school days and the support that Patrick’s parents had accorded him at the time. As graduates of Te Panekiretanga o Te Reo (Institute of Excellence in the Mā ori Language), Petera reflected on the times the course was held at the
Te Ara o Tā whaki Marae, taught by some of Aotearoa’s most revered cultural and linguistic exponents.
The visitors had two speakers. The first speaker, Hawira Hape, recalled various recent deaths amongst the tribe.
He also recited whakapapa (genealogy), connecting Patrick to other neighbouring Heretaunga subtribes.
Patrick hails from the Kahurā naki Marae at Te Haukē , and traces his descent to eponymous ancestors Te Whatuiā piti and Te Rangikoianake.
The last speaker was Ngā ti Kahungunu Jerry Hapuku. Jerry is a regular at many tribal gatherings. He is a descendant of a recognised Ngā ti Kahungunu leader, Te Hā puku who was also known as Te Ika-nui-o-temoana. As the last speaker, it is their role to sum up all proceedings on the marae and cover off any areas that weren’t discussed by previous speakers.
Given the current red light restrictions, the pō hiri process had to be adapted to ensure the health and safety of all attendees. This included the waiving of the hongi process where hosts and visitors shake hands and press noses. In lieu of this, a tradition incantation was recited to ensure that both parties still became one.
The final comments were reserved for the dining room where EIT Hawke’s Bay CE Chris Collins welcomed Patrick and his whā nau.
Patrick brings with him a wealth of experience in the sector. His father Robin works for the Ngā ti Pā hauwera Development Trust and his mother Hine works for Ngā ti Kahungunu Iwi Inc. Patrick’s role at EIT is a new beginning for him, but a continuation of the legacy of the Hape whā nau who have contributed immensely to the development of both iwi and Māoridom.
We trust that Patrick will excel in his new role and ensure that the success of Mā ori students thrives as he embarks on his new journey. Kia kaha rā , e hika!