Pōwhiri
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Date2000DescriptionPōwhiri is a collection of eight pou made from tanalised timber and stainless steel, created in 2000 by longtime University of Waikato educator Donn Ratana. These pou were installed to mark the 40th anniversary of the University of Waikato School of Education. Standing five metres tall, with another two metres underground, each pou represents teachers of the past and present, forming the Māori welcoming process known as pōwhiri.
At the top of the curved drive, at the entrance of Gate 5 to the university, stands the kaikaranga. Wearing her stainless steel korowai, she calls out along the ridge of the hill, welcoming all onto the grounds. Further down, wielding a taiaha, is the kaiwero, who issues the challenge during the pōwhiri. Finally, at the base of the drive near the entrance to the faculty are the tangata whenua—the people of the land. Each pou has its own unique style and personality, bringing a sense of diversity to the group.
In true Donn Ratana fashion, these contemporary pou were crafted using modern tools. His preference for power tools and non-traditional materials is a reflection of the evolving nature of Māori art and practice, embracing innovation while honouring tradition.
Pōwhiri is a deeply cultural and spiritual process by which the tangata whenua welcome the manuhiri, or visitors. It is a ritual framework through which Māori customs and values are shared. Far from being a superficial ceremony, pōwhiri moves beyond the Western concept of simply greeting guests—it welcomes newcomers, known as waewae tapu (sacred feet), and connects them to the space, cultivating a deep sense of belonging.
Māori culture is grounded in reciprocity—an ongoing balance of push and pull, of call and response. Pōwhiri is part of this coming together. The manuhiri must be well hosted and cared for, and while each occasion is unique, the core intent remains the same: to draw people together with purpose, to make them feel so rooted and welcomed that they actively contribute to what is shared, discussed, and created. It transforms guests from passive observers to full participants.
In this way, Donn Ratana’s Pōwhiri is theatrical. The pou stand in perpetual welcome, performing their invitation without expectation of reply—offering hospitality while challenging each visitor to define their own role. As one of the earliest developments on the campus, the Teachers College had fierce advocates since 1958 who fought to ensure Waikato would have facilities for developing educators. Now, these pou stand as sentinels of both welcome and wero (challenge) for all who choose to walk that path.CreatorDonn Ratana
At the top of the curved drive, at the entrance of Gate 5 to the university, stands the kaikaranga. Wearing her stainless steel korowai, she calls out along the ridge of the hill, welcoming all onto the grounds. Further down, wielding a taiaha, is the kaiwero, who issues the challenge during the pōwhiri. Finally, at the base of the drive near the entrance to the faculty are the tangata whenua—the people of the land. Each pou has its own unique style and personality, bringing a sense of diversity to the group.
In true Donn Ratana fashion, these contemporary pou were crafted using modern tools. His preference for power tools and non-traditional materials is a reflection of the evolving nature of Māori art and practice, embracing innovation while honouring tradition.
Pōwhiri is a deeply cultural and spiritual process by which the tangata whenua welcome the manuhiri, or visitors. It is a ritual framework through which Māori customs and values are shared. Far from being a superficial ceremony, pōwhiri moves beyond the Western concept of simply greeting guests—it welcomes newcomers, known as waewae tapu (sacred feet), and connects them to the space, cultivating a deep sense of belonging.
Māori culture is grounded in reciprocity—an ongoing balance of push and pull, of call and response. Pōwhiri is part of this coming together. The manuhiri must be well hosted and cared for, and while each occasion is unique, the core intent remains the same: to draw people together with purpose, to make them feel so rooted and welcomed that they actively contribute to what is shared, discussed, and created. It transforms guests from passive observers to full participants.
In this way, Donn Ratana’s Pōwhiri is theatrical. The pou stand in perpetual welcome, performing their invitation without expectation of reply—offering hospitality while challenging each visitor to define their own role. As one of the earliest developments on the campus, the Teachers College had fierce advocates since 1958 who fought to ensure Waikato would have facilities for developing educators. Now, these pou stand as sentinels of both welcome and wero (challenge) for all who choose to walk that path.CreatorDonn Ratana
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InterviewerJoe Harawira - Narrator
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Relates To
Other ItemsUniversity of Waikato Sculpture Trail
Donn Ratana, Pōwhiri (2000). University of Waikato, accessed 21/06/2025, https://onehera.waikato.ac.nz/nodes/view/10602