Tā Mātou Kōrero - Our Story

The journey from Te Whare Pukapuka to Te Iho o Te Manawataki.

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Supported by key partners, from throughout the University including our Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori, Sarah-Jane Tiakiwai, our Pou Tūhono, Whetū Taukamo and our Assistant Vice-Chancellor Pacific, Keaka Hemi, our vision for the Library was bought to life through an unveiling ceremony on Kīngitanga Day, 12th September 2024. 

The journey we went through to be gifted this name included a process of gathering insights from students, Library staff, University of Waikato researchers and lecturers, and wider Library community members to understand their experiences with our service over the years.  

The renaming of the Library from Te Whare Pukapuka to Te Iho o Te Manawataki signifies more than a rebrand or change in sign, it is an acknowledgement of the journey we have been on over the last three years an our commitment to becoming an inclusive, anti-racist and diverse Library that is reflective of all the communities we serve.  

We are profoundly grateful to Professor Tom Roa, whose generosity and vision have enabled this momentous occasion. 

He Whakamārama - Why This Name

He whakamāramatanga nā Ahorangi Tom Roa mō te ingoa o Te Whare Pukapuka o Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato e kīia nei ko Te Iho o Te Manawataki.

An explanation by Professor Tom Roa of the name of the University of Waikato’s Library now known as Te Iho o Te Manawataki.

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Whakamāoritanga - Translation

Te Iho o Te Manawataki encapsulates our core mission: to serve as the beating heart of the University. 

Te Iho = the essence

Manawataki = rhythm, beat 

This name breathes life into our vision of the Library as a dynamic hub, where knowledge, ideas and people connect and flourish. 

Knowledge grows, not by containment, but by use. The Library is a living organism: it is never finished, forever changing and adapting. We continue to forge new pathways ahead, foster an environment that values difference and diversity, promote and maintain an inclusive, anti-racist and supportive Library.  

We will be the Library that is at the heart of the whole community: Ko Te Tangata, For The People. 

Read About our Library Plan

Library Waiata

This waiata is an original composition by the late Māori scholar and musician, Hirini Melbourne for our Library. The translation below is his own. He also explained that the manu (bird) referred to here is the welcoming voice, rau aroha is the greenery used in the ritual of welcome, and te rākau taumatua is the tree in which birds come for shelter and sustenance, i.e., the Library (as a place of knowledge & education).  

To honour this taonga, we as staff hold regular sessions to practice this waiata. 

E rere e manu  

E rere e manu e rere 
Kawea te rau aroha e 
Hei pōwhiri i te manuhiri 
Kia tau mai ki te maru e 
O te rākau taumatua
E tū ake nei 
E tū ake nei 
Hī!    

Translation:

Fly bird 
Take this leaf of love 
with which to welcome our visitors 
So that they may rest 
in the shade of your sheltering tree 
that stands  

Nā Hirini Melbourne