Was there ever a space where Indigenous knowledge is nurtured within the academy? Te Pūrengi at Auckland University of Technology is such a place. This research institute focuses on Māori language culture and knowledge. It was established in 2008. Te Pūrengi is home to Te Whare o Rongomaurikura. This centre reflects a commitment to Indigenous and endangered language revitalization. The focus is on te reo Māori.
Now let’s explore the four pou or pillars that represent Te Pūrengi’s research focus. First is Te Whare o Rongomaurikura. This includes language documentation planning and policy. Teaching and learning are also included as is the normalisation of the Māori language in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Next is Taonga Tuku Iho. This refers to traditional knowledge. This pillar encompasses the oral tradition and arts.
Then there is Tino Rangatiratanga. It’s a phrase from Te Tiriti o Waitangi the Treaty of Waitangi. It refers to Māori self-determination. Research here includes Indigenous Peoples’ rights governance and education. Well-being and policy are also part of it.
Finally there’s Te Moana Nui. This pou situates research within ‘our sea of islands’. It focuses on comparative studies the diaspora and environments. Sustainability is another key area.
The guiding whakataukī is ‘whakatepea te kō’. It highlights a strategic team approach. It weaves together a research and community-based agenda. Te Pūrengi aims to be a space where Indigenous world-views are nurtured.
The vision for Te Whare o Rongomaurikura is clear. It aims to develop expertise in Indigenous language revitalization. This is achieved through excellent research. Strong collaboration between researchers and language communities is essential. It’s a space for researchers students and practitioners. They can exchange ideas here. They can learn from others working to revive their languages.
Auckland known as Tāmaki Makaurau has a rich Māori history. The name means “Tāmaki desired by many”. This reflects the region’s fertile land. Its strategic location made it coveted by various iwi tribes.
Māori settled the Auckland isthmus around 1350 AD. The volcanic soil was ideal for agriculture. Māori built pā fortified villages on volcanic cones. Maungawhau Mount Eden and Maungakiekie One Tree Hill are examples. These pā were defensive positions. Gardens surrounded them to support the population.
Ngāti Whātua and Tainui tribes lived here when Europeans arrived. In 1840 Ngāti Whātua sought British protection. They also wanted a reciprocal relationship with the Crown.
Te Pūrengi stands as a testament. It embodies the ongoing commitment to preserving and promoting Māori language. It also fosters culture and knowledge. It ensures these taonga treasures thrive for generations to come.