The University of Waikato has presented an honourary award to Tamati Tata (Ngāi Tamarāwaho) recognising his service to the University as kaumātua at its Tauranga campus and his contribution to the wider Bay of Plenty community.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Neil Quigley presented Tamati with the University of Waikato medal at a ceremony yesterday.
Tamati has been instrumental in shaping the Tauranga campus’s cultural identity, Vice-Chancellor Neil Quigley says.
“Tamati’s guidance during the development phase of the Tauranga campus influenced the award-winning campus design and ensured the cultural narrative of Tauranga Moana was thoughtfully integrated. He also played a pivotal role in the opening ceremonies, including the dawn ceremony in February 2019 and the public opening in April 2019.”