Professor Derek Lardelli and his wife Rose Gould-Lardelli

The founding lecturer of Toihoukura is the first internally appointed EIT professor, and his achievement is drawing plenty of praise. Derek had to submit an extensive portfolio that covered his work at Toihoukura and in the community. “It is a credit to Toihoukura, which is supported by a very art-minded community of both Māori and Pakeha people, who have worked hard to ensure we have the spring board for our students to be recognised locally, regionally and internationally,” says Derek. “It is about our community… the award is nice but it belongs to us all.”

Derek says the promotion is recognition for the whole team at EIT Tairāwhiti and the wider community. His peers at Toihoukura are extremely proud, saying it is welldeserved, and validates the many years he has been instrumental in establishing, shaping and sustaining Toihoukura as a Mäori school of artistic excellence for more than 20 years.

EIT chief executive Chris Collins also had plenty of praise for Derek.

“It’s very significant for us because most of our EIT professors have come from universities to EIT. This is our first promotion to professor from within.”

The nod was given by a professorial panel, convened by EIT research professor Bob Marshall and involving professors from universities across the country to ensure the appointment matched that of universities from around New Zealand. The decision was unanimous.

“It is recognition of Derek’s standing, reputation and knowledge in his field of scholarship,” says Collins. “Derek is recognised as a world leading authority.”

He has assisted in significant projects at home and abroad such as bringing back 20 Toi Moko that were repatriated to New Zealand from France, by providing the cultural protocols and safety mechanisms for the delegation while offshore, and creating the now iconic Kapa o Pango haka for the All Blacks.