A new sculpture graces the entranceway to Te Pā Tauira (The Student Village). 

Created by Scott Eady, Senior Lecturer (College of Art, Design and Architecture), the artwork, Matou Ahau (We Me), represents the learner journey that is at once both individual and part of a community. 

Scott says the artwork went through a lengthy development process.

“Thinking about one’s practice as being formed and informed by others. I made a drawing where the words ME and WE were repeated hundreds of times,” he says.

“On top of the entrance bulkhead the words NAU MAI HAERE MAI will illuminate from pounamu green coloured neon which at night time will illuminate the stainless steel forms.

“The pairing of Māori with English words an honouring of Aotearoa New Zealand’s bicultural Treaty of Waitangi partnership. The use of these words came from a discussion with Simon Kaan.

“Also present in the work is the notion of education as a journey – "ara honohono" – the concept presented by Otakou Runaka representative Tahu Potiki in consultation with Professor Emeritus Khyla Russell.

“As people pass between the words either entering or exiting Te Pa Tauira, an image of self is reflected for just a moment on both the words ME and WE simultaneously.

"At Otago Polytechnic students and staff are on both an individual learning journey and part of a greater learning community.”

Edward Ellison, Philip Cullen, Scott Eady and Bridie Lonie spoke at the event. The artwork was sponsored by Otago Polytechnic, Naylor Love and Logic Group.