Kiritea Smith, Chair of the 30th Committee – Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Pūkenga
Porourangi Templeton-Reedy, Co-President of Te Rōpū Māori – Ngāti Porou, Ngāi Tūhoe, Tainui
Honouring the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Building the Future
It’s been three decades of unapologetic presence, fierce advocacy, and whānau-first leadership at the University of Otago – and now, Te Rōpū Māori (TRM) is turning 30.
In early November, TRM will honour this major milestone with a wānanga like no other – three days of connection, excellence, and mana Māori in full force. The celebrations will spotlight the brilliance of our tauira, past and present, through a packed schedule of activities, seminars, and the highly anticipated launch of Te Rōpū Māori’s first-ever official album.
Critic Te Ārohi spoke to Porourangi Templeton-Reedy, current Tumuaki Takirua (Co-President) of Te Rōpū Māori, and Kiritea Smith, Chair of the 30th Committee, about what this kaupapa means and what’s in store.
Why This Birthday Hits Different
Since its earliest days, Te Rōpū Māori has been more than just a student association – it has been a refuge, a launchpad, and a kāinga rua for generations of Māori students at Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka. What began as the “Māori Club” – a rōpū made up of university students and wider community members bound by culture – would eventually formalise into the incorporated society now known as TRM.
“Prior to 1995, Te Rōpū Māori was known as ‘Māori Club,’” reflects Kiritea Smith, one of the driving forces behind the 30th celebrations. “Comprising of tauira Māori from the University, but also community members who came together sharing one common factor – culture.” The group officially became an incorporated society on 26 May 1995. “Since then, TRM has grown significantly and further solidified its place within the university as a kāinga rua – a home away from home for tauira Māori.”
This year’s milestone isn’t just about looking back – it’s about recognising the whakapapa of the association, celebrating those who came before, and laying the groundwork for those still to come. Wanting to support that legacy in a meaningful way, Kiritea stepped forward last year to chair the committee responsible for organising the 30th and other large-scale kaupapa.
Her goal was to ease the pressure on Te Rito, the core TRM executive, so they could continue their day-to-day advocacy and support work without taking on the full weight of this major event. Since then, she’s pulled together a dedicated committee of tauira and alumni, leading regular meetings and overseeing the planning and delivery of the celebration. “Chairing this rōpū has meant being able to guide the vision and bring to life a series of events that truly honour the mana and legacy of Te Rōpū Māori.”
Now, with the vision set and the groundwork laid, the stage is ready for a celebration that brings it all to life.
Wānanga Vibes: What’s On
For some, this will be a first encounter with Te Rōpū Māori. For others, it’s a return home. Either way, the 30th promises to deliver something special. “This kaupapa is shaping up to be something truly special – a celebration that highlights and honours the achievements of our tauira Māori, both past and present,” shares Porourangi. “More than that, it’s an opportunity to come together as a collective to celebrate the strength, resilience, and legacy of Te Rōpū Māori.”
So, what’s on the horizon? According to Kiritea and Porourangi, there’s plenty to look forward to. In early November, TRM will host three days of immersive kaupapa, including panel discussions, keynote speakers, sport and cultural events, and a final gala night to close the celebrations in style.
But perhaps the most anticipated moment of all comes earlier: on July 24, Te Rōpū Māori will officially release its debut EP. Kiritea explains that the album brings together “six significant waiata, composed and recorded by both tauira and alumni over the years”. The project showcases both the talent and passion of TRM members, as well as a standing legacy of their collective voice.
Alongside the EP, Kiritea says she’s looking forward to seeing alumni return to campus for the three-day celebration – an opportunity to reaffirm the impact and significance of Te Rōpū Māori at Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka. A legacy project in every sense, the album amplifies the voices, creativity, and cultural power of Māori students. It stands as a sonic reminder that our stories, our sound, and our excellence are not only alive – they’re thriving.
He Wāhanga Hou – The Future Starts Here
TRM’s 30th is more than an event – it’s a mirror held up to three decades of growth, grit, and collective power. From grassroots advocacy to cultural leadership, Te Rōpū Māori has long been at the heart of shaping Māori student experiences in Ōtepoti. They have led protests, hosted pōhiri, nurtured future changemakers, and held space when few others would.
Beyond the festivities, the 30th is a call to the next wave of Māori students: step in, step up, and know you belong.
“While our celebrations will spotlight its long-standing history, we also plan for the future and hope it shows why Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka can be the first pick for all Māori wanting to study at university. Ka ora a kāinga rua – our second home lives!”
So, whether you’re a current tauira, a TRM alum, or simply someone who backs Māori excellence – this isn’t just a party. It’s a celebration of everything we’ve built, everything we’re becoming, and everyone we carry with us. Tickets are still available to purchase. Don’t miss the chance to witness history – and be part of it too.