Source: Eastern Institute of Technology
3 minutes ago
A new poupou was unveiled at EIT’s Central Hawke’s Bay Regional Learning Centre in Waipukurau last week as part of a wider carving project marking the institute’s 50th anniversary and return to independence.
Designed and created collaboratively by Ngāti Kahungunu carver and Bachelor of Creative Practice graduate Emanuel Dunn, and Ideaschool senior lecturer Chris Bryant-Toi, the poupou was blessed by Professor Joe Te Rito on Thursday.
The regional poupou are part of a wider series of carvings being installed across EIT’s learning centres and campuses and are connected to the waka maumahara unveiled at EIT’s Hawke’s Bay campus in Taradale last month, which acts as the pūtahi, or centre, of the project.
Chris Bryant-Toi (left) and Emanuel Dunn with EIT chief executive Lucy Laitinen beside the newly unveiled poupou at EIT’s Central Hawke’s Bay Regional Learning Centre in Waipukurau.
Chris said the carvings were designed to spark learning and discussion, while strengthening the connection between EIT sites through shared stories.
“These pou are designed to draw people together and to expand discussion around the stories of Māui. Mātauranga Māori and other knowledge practices arise in shared conversation,” Chris said.
The Waipukurau poupou draws on the pūrākau of Māui, Hinauri and Tunaroa. Attending Ngāti Kahungunu ki Tamatea Kaumātua, Dr Roger Maaka made connections to the carving by recalling the local tribal use of hīnaki, eel conservation and harvesting techniques.
A second poupou was also unveiled on Thursday at EIT’s Hastings Regional Learning Centre, focusing on Māui and the region’s iconic kāhu hawk, with further poupou planned for EIT’s regional learning centres in Maraenui and Wairoa.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/30/new-poupou-unveiled-at-eits-waipukurau-regional-learning-centre/