Whetū Taukamo, Pou Tūhono Manager – Strategy and Implementation for the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori Office, received the Vice-Chancellor's Medal for Staff Excellence at the University's Staff Awards this week.
Whetū plays a critical role providing advice and support around the tikanga and overall delivery of key events and initiatives and is a crucial connection point for the whole University.
Whetū was nominated for a Staff Excellence Award by a group of his colleagues who were keen that he be recognised for his dedication to supporting University events, willingness to share cultural advice and increase cultural capability of his fellow staff, and for his generosity of spirit.
They said that Whetū extends his support to colleagues without hesitation, particularly when it comes to cultural advice, which he offers in a way which always empowers those seeking it.
“He has an ability to put people at ease at the same time as managing protocol, from representatives of the Kīngitanga, to hundreds of whānau at graduation,” they said.
Whetū plays a key role in the development and delivery of the University’s Te Aurei and Kanohi ki te Kanohi programmes, which are intended to raise the cultural capability of staff. The programmes are designed so that all staff feel safe to ask questions.
“Whetū is extremely patient and has an amazing yet subtle ability to help people understand or see things from new perspectives. These are powerful programmes in their ability to challenge thinking in a positive way, and Whetū is one of the main reasons they are of such value,” a colleague wrote in their nomination.
Whetū is often one of the first friendly faces that visitors to campus encounter. His colleagues say his patience and willingness to share his knowledge has provided many manuwhiri, particularly those from overseas, with an experience they are unlikely to forget.
“Whetū is always willing to offer a mihi whakatau, taking time to explain and educate visitors on tikanga Māori and the significance, meaning and history of the University’s marae,” a colleague said.
He was also heavily involved in the development of the cultural narrative of the University’s new landmark Hamilton campus complex, The Pā, as well as the building’s opening and its day-to-day running. He is often seen delivering tours of the building, sharing its cultural narrative.
“Whetū is described by his peers as a very rare colleague, universally admired, respected and treasured by everyone who works with him,” said Vice-Chancellor Professor Neil Quigley.
“Characterised as a patient, trusted advisor whose infectious positivity is paired with a calming and reassuring presence in difficult or complex situations, Whetū is distinguished in every case by an amazing ability to be supportive of his colleagues.”
Upon accepting his medal, Whetū paid tribute to Koro Taki Turner, who was the University kaumātua until his passing earlier this year.
“I’d like to recognise the person who helped me a lot when I came to the University, our Koro Taki, for all of his guidance and support,” Whetū said.
“His attitude and the way he looked after me, taught me how we can best look after our people.”
Whetū was also recognised with a Mātauranga Māori Excellence award.
The University’s awards also recognised a number of other staff who have made significant contributions over the last year:
Early Career Academic Excellence
Winners:
Dr Luke Harrington
Dr Terry Isson
Highly Commended:
Dr Krishanu Roy
Dr Apriel Jolliffe Simpson
Dr Jesse Whitehead
Teaching Excellence
Winner:
Anthony Ryan
Highly Commended:
Dr Susan Olivia
Research Excellence
Winner:
Dr Tim Walmsley
Service Excellence
Winners:
Levinia Paku
International Student Services Team: Jessie Wang, Jessica King, Jeremy Smith, Alice O’Donoghue, Alyssa Wolk-Bankier, Liam Pointon, Lucy White
Highly Commended:
Caroline Gower
Safety and Wellness Excellence
Winners:
Dr Judith Burrows, Holly Ferguson, Katherine Rowe, Jenny Stockdill, Kirsty Vincent
Mātauranga Māori Excellence
Winner:
Whetū Taukamo
Vice-Chancellor’s Medal for Staff Excellence
Winner:
Whetū Taukamo
