21 May 2010

Powhiri to Welcome New Students (and staff) to Campus

By Moira Blake.

Student Association President, Hirotaka Ota, delivering his speech

This year’s Powhiri took place on Monday May 3rd in the College Recreation Centre. For most of the 124 new students, who come from 18 different countries, and for the group of parents watching on, it was their first experience of a traditional Maori ceremony. Following traditional protocol, each speech was followed by a waiata by the speaker’s supporters.

The powerful Karanga, calling the new arrivals into the venue, was given by Amiria Te-Whaiti. Once everyone was seated, the Rev Ropata Te Hina continued the ceremony with the Karakia (prayer) and on behalf of the Rangitane tribe of Palmerston North formally welcomed not only the new students but also a number of new staff.

IPC President, Professor Wayne Edwards, spoke in both Maori and English, emphasising the importance the College places on people and advising all those gathered to both enjoy life and work hard. The waiata was sung by existing staff and students.

Hirotaka Ota spoke next, welcoming all the new people and expressing his desire, as President of the IPC Student Association, to support the new students and bring them all together in the “intercultural friendly environment on the IPC campus”. He assured them that they will be able to “solve any problems” by using their own strength and “with the help and support of your IPC whanau”. He said that doing this would lift their confidence in their ability to achieve their goals for the rest of their lives. The waiata following Hirotaka’s welcome was a performance by the IPC Drum Team.

On behalf of the new arrivals, Mr Huataki Whareaitu, replied in Maori. After a waiata by Kiwa Whareaitu, new staff member Mr Ichizo Murakami began his speech with a welcome in Maori, English and Japanese. He explained that the time he has spent at IPC has been one of the “one of the most peaceful times” in his life, and his belief that this is “because of the beautiful environment that surrounds us on campus.” In his conclusion he expressed four wishes: that “our hands always be busy”; that “our students always be courageous to study and pursue their future”; that “our staff have strong teamwork to achieve our goal”; and that IPC should “have strong direction through all the people here.” Mr Murakami’s speech was also supported by a waiata from the IPC Drum Team.

Finally, it was the turn of new student Fransisco Chandra, from Indonesia, to speak on behalf of the new students. After introducing himself, Fransisco used the Maori greeting “Kia Ora” to welcome his fellow new arrvials. He referred to the opportunity he has had since he came to IPC “to learn new cultures, food and language from different countries” every day, and his belief “that it is important for us to support each other be it in the academic field or in social life”. Fransisco used a Maori proverb: Whaia te iti kahuranga ki te tuahu koe me he maunga teitei, which translates as “Aim for the highest cloud so that if you miss it, you will hit a lofty mountain”. In this way, he encouraged new students “not to be afraid to set a high standard” for themselves. His final wish was that they would “enjoy their new experience, make the most of it, play hard and study hard”.

Then it was the turn of the new students and staff to sing their waiata, with the support of Mrs Kiwa Whareaitu.

A final prayer by Rev Ropata Te Hina, followed by the Hongi concluded the formalities, and a special lunch followed in the campus dining room.

New students listening to the speakers

New students and staff singing their waiata in support of the welcome speech made by the new student representative, Fransisco Chandra

The drum team performing in support of a speaker.

New student representative, Fransisco Chandra, and Rev Ropata Te Hina hongi at the end of the powhiri. (New staff member, Ichizo Murakami is beside Fransisco)

<Back  |  ^Top