Te Kāhui Whaihanga welcomes its first Māori President

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Huia Reriti, Perehitini (President) of Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects, the first of Māori descent in the 119-year history of the Institute. Image: Supplied

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Professor Te Maire Tau. Image: Supplied

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Immediate Past President Judith Taylor. Image: Supplied

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Professor Te Maire Tau with Huia and his partner Wendy Clayton-Jones. Image: Supplied

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Felicity Wallace. Image: Supplied

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Peter Townsend (left) and Dan Sullivan. Image: Supplied

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Huia and his daughter Hana Reriti-Jones. Image: Supplied

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Evan Mayo (left) and Brendon Gordon (right) of the Waikato & Bay of Plenty Branch. Image: Supplied

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Wearing a korowai gifted by Dame Whina Cooper to his mother, Huia Reriti (Ngāi Tahu) was announced the new Perehitini (President) of Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects.

“I feel very proud and privileged to be the next President. I believe it’s time to show my gratitude and to impart my experience and knowledge of what I have learned,” says Reriti, who was accompanied by whanau and friends at his recent investiture in Ōtautahi Christchurch. “Anything I do, my mum [Dame Aroha Reriti-Crofts] and my taua have guided me and will continue to guide me,” says Huia, a partner at MAP Architects Ōtautahi.

The impact that Huia will have as Perehitini of Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects will be significant, says Mark Abbot, the Institute’s interim CEO. “I am excited to see the Institute progress its commitment to embedding Te Kawenata o Rata further into the fabric of our organisation, with an understanding of tikanga and inclusion, as demonstrated and led from the top,” he says. “Huia embodies the statesmanship of a rangatira, deserving of the status of this position,” adds Mark.

Throughout his presidency, Huia will champion Māori and other ethnicities at every opportunity. “I believe it will serve to enrich the lives of our membership,” he says.

Immediate Past President Judith Taylor says Huia is a widely respected architect of considerable ability. “It is exciting to welcome our first Māori President at a time when talented indigenous architects are achieving international acclaim for their work. Huia will bring visibility to architecture as a viable career choice for more Māori students,” she says.