Welcoming those who will guide our two-hulled waka into the future

MIT and Unitec Council has been welcomed with pōwhiri at Te Noho Kotahitanga Marae, Mt Albert Campus on Thursday 12 February.

It was an occasion filled with passion, laughter, reflections and vision as the six council members became part of the whānau.

The new Council from left, Ward Kamo (front row, fourth from left), Peter Parussini, Professor Sharon Brownie, Bhav Dhillon, Chair Alastair Bell, Deputy Chair Simon Harding

The members are – Alastair Bell, Chair; Simon Harding, Deputy Chair; Professor Sharon Brownie; Ward Kamo; Bhav Dhillon and Peter Parussini.

MIT kaumatua Vince Hapi led the opening karakia followed by waiata and whaikōrero (speeches) from Papa Hohepa Renata – Taurahere Marae, Unitec and senior cultural advisor, Dr Pouroto Ngaroto.

MIT and Unitec Executive Director Peseta Sam Lotu-liga

Following pōwhiri, Executive Director Peseta Sam Lotu-liga formally welcomed the council.

“Welcome. To you all – thank you. Thank you all for taking up the challenge of being our governors. That’s significant,” Peseta Sam says.

“You’ll learn a lot today. Some things you can read on a report or online but there is nothing like being welcomed onto this whare (house) and being part of this family. The history and tradition didn’t just happen overnight; it developed over time. What makes us who we are is our people and our culture.

“That’s what binds us together. Our kaupapa, our ‘why’ is our learners. Meeting their dreams, their hopes and their aspirations. We’ve done well as two institutions and now, we’ve come together as a Waka Hourua.

Te Tāmaki Waka Hourua (the Double-Hulled Canoe of Tāmaki Makaurau-Auckland) is a values framework gifted to MIT and Unitec by senior Māori leaders allowing the organisations to honour the legacies of MIT and Unitec while embracing a shared future.

“When we survey our students, particularly international students; this is an experience (pōwhiri) that they remember and treasure when they take their qualifications out into the world.

“On behalf of kaimahi (staff) and learners we are grateful and blessed to have you six people on our governing body and we look forward to working alongside you and bringing the best outcome for our future.”

Chair Alastair Bell and Ward Kamo

Chair Alastair Bell gave special thanks to Peseta Sam and recognised him as a great leader for MIT and Unitec.

“I acknowledge the mana whenua of this rohe and the kaitiaki (guardians) of this marae for hosting us today, “ Mr Bell says.

“It’s now my privilege to be here as Chair of the new MIT and Unitec Council and I stand as one among many committed to looking after the treasure and the opportunity that is vocational education across the Auckland region.

“Can I thank everyone here and all staff for wanting to educate learners and to make that their career. Our new model offers us the scale, resources and capability to achieve significant outcomes not just in this city, but also nationally and internationally.

“Our new context may also give more opportunity – you already deliver strongly across parts of Auckland. Our mandate as a combined organisation is new and to be here for the whole region – including its key communities and businesses.

“What you have done is impressive. Essential now is building on what’s done very well and to find new opportunities within the broadened scope. Why shouldn’t this institute be the pre-eminent vocational education and training institution in Asia and the South Pacific.”

“Once again, thank you for your welcome. Nga mihi nui kia koutou katoa.”

Dr Pouroto Ngarotō welcomes the council

“About 800 years ago, one of my ancestors was looking for somewhere to drink and she came down from the Owairaka pa site (Mt Albert), did a prayer and then water came up from an aquifer which is the awa (river) that flows in front of this marae.

“I’d like to acknowledge Alastair and all the council members. This is a merging of the two waka, Unitec and MIT. Together we form one waka and together we’ll be successful.

“We want a waka that is unified. We want a waka that’s got good strategic direction. We want a waka that’s inclusive of everyone and one that meets learning aspirations of our students.

“They’re the future leaders of our country and we need a harmonious waka based on kindness and respect.”

Council member, Ward Kamo, spoke about his ‘why’ for taking up his role on council.

“My grandfather, Ned Kamo, came over from the Chatham Islands with my father who was about 9 or 10 years old at the time. My grandfather went to Christchurch with his kids, so they could get an education and have a better life.

“My dad went to sixth form which was such a great source of pride for my grandfather.  My father wanted me to lift it; he wanted me to go to university. I went to Canterbury University and he was so proud.”

“As a family the pursuit of education and the growth of our young ones is the most important thing and that’s the same with this council. If we’re not focused on that, then why are we here.”

The Council touring Mt Albert Campus from left Ward Kamo, Peter Parussini, Chair Alastair Bell, Professor Sharon Brownie, Bhav Dhillon, Deputy Chair Simon Harding

Following the ceremony,  afternoon tea was served in the whare kai (dining room), before council were led on a tour of campus by Peseta Sam alongside heads of school and senior leaders.

The MIT and Unitec Council had its first formal meeting of 2026 on 4 February at Ōtara Campus.

Peseta Sam and MIT Head of Nursing Assoc Prof Deb Rowe (left) show council the nursing training facility at Manukau Campus