Victoria University to confer Honorary Doctorate on Takirirangi Smith
Victoria University will confer an honorary degree on Dr Takirirangi Clarence Smith, a master carver in Māori carving.
He will receive an Honorary Doctorate in Literature.
Dr Takirirangi Clarence Smith is a tohunga whakairo, a master carver, whose work can be found throughout New Zealand and
overseas. The rare title of tohunga has been bestowed on him in recognition of his knowledge and artistry.
Dr Smith studied at Victoria in the 1980s, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Māori Studies in 1984 and a Bachelor of
Arts (Hons) in Māori Studies the following year. During this time he led the carving of Victoria University’s meeting
house, Te Tumu Herenga Waka.
After graduating from Victoria, Takirirangi Smith went on to supervise and carve nine other meeting houses, as well as
numerous waharoa (entrances), pou (carved figures), and pataka (raised storehouses). He is also interested in
traditional navigation and has carved twelve waka.
His works can be found throughout the world, notably at the New Zealand Consulate in Shanghai, China, the St Louis
Museum in the United States, and the Museum Volkenkunde in Holland. He completed a PhD in Education at the University of
Auckland in 2007.
Professor Pat Walsh says Takirirangi Smith has played an important role in Māori art and culture.
“He has made a significant contribution to Māori carving and, more broadly, Māori knowledge. Takirirangi Smith’s work
displays high artistic skill and historical understanding.
“As a young man, Dr Smith carved Victoria University’s meeting house, which is recognised nationwide for its pan-tribal
representation. He has also been carving a new entrance-way to Te Herenga Waka Marae that will be unveiled as part of
the 25th anniversary celebrations of the carved meeting house on 6 December.”
Victoria December Graduation—honorary degrees
At Victoria’s December Graduation, Honorary Degrees will also be conferred on: Dr Ross Ferguson, the international
authority on kiwifruit biology; and Dr Jack Richards, a renowned specialist in second and foreign language teaching.
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