Māori University of Otago students have received a special welcome at Puketeraki Marae to help them connect with each other and mana whenua.
The welcome involved powhiri followed by speeches from university professor John Broughton, kaitohutohu Māori Hata Temo and vice-chancellor Grant Robertson yesterday at 10am and 1pm.
The event aimed to give the students a sense of belonging during their time at the university.
"For their wairua, their spiritual wellbeing in the Māori sense, this is massive to be welcomed by mana whenua.
"This provides them with that sense that they can be relaxed here and feel like they belong here."
Mr Wara said every year they changed marae for the celebration and next year the event would return to Otakou Marae.
The event was exclusive to Māoristudents due to occupancy constraints.
Mr Wara said if the marae was bigger they would open it up to all students at the university.
About 400 students and their whānau attended the event across the both ceremonies.
