Last week I had the pleasure of attending the opening of the new University Hall at Auckland University. With 442 beds, University Hall provides a 60% boost to the number of full catered facilities Auckland University can offer to students.
During the opening ceremony, some of the students performed a Haka commissioned especially for University Hall, and were kind enough to send me a copy of the words and their translation. I think the words really capture the essence of education – growing up and looking to the future, while remembering and cherishing your past.
Ko Wai rā
Ko wai ra?
Ko wai ra?
Ko ahau tenei he uri no ratou ma
E rapu nei I te matauranga
Kia tu rangatira i tenei ao
Waitemata
te moana !
Rangitoto
te maunga
Ko ahau tenei e haruru mai nei
au, au, aue ha HI !
Who am I?
Who are we?
I am a descendant of those gone before me
Seeking out knowledge and education
That I am able to stand proud in this world
Waitemata the harbour
Rangitoto the mountain and island
This is me, this is who we are.