By Kelvin McDonald of Whakaata Maori
A new research centre, Te Kura i Awarua, has opened in Ngāti Kahungunu rohe at the Hawke's Bay Campus of EIT Te Pūkenga, the largest tertiary provider in the region.
Te Kura i Awarua - which means 'the precious objects from Awarua' - was opened on Tuesday in Napier, with Ngāti Kahungunu executive chair Bayden Barber and mana whenua from Ngāti Pārau among those in attendance at a pōwhiri for the centre opening.
Dr Annemarie Gillies, EIT Professor Rangahau Māori, says the centre is especially significant for Ngāti Kahungunu.
"We don't have a research centre in Ngāti Kahungunu and this centre is supported by Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi, hapū and whānau, our work will have an impact across the region and in our communities," Gillies said in a statement Saturday.