Figure 26 Eric Tamepo, Council of Māori & Pacific Arts with Ivan Ehau on right at Te Poho o Rawiri.

Ivan Ehau designs a one year Tairāwhiti Craft Certificate. Initially this course runs as a one year full time programme but it has the potential to be extended into 2 to 3 years.

Consultation with local wine industry employers identifies a need for more technical staff and this is how in 1988 the first viticulture and wine making course is designed. A commercial standard winery is established on the RSU site. In 1989 the students pick 2 tonnes of Chardonnay grapes from three local vineyards and the resulting grape juice is ready to be blended and fermented in the newly purchased French oak barrels. This wine is marketed under the name of “First Light” from Wines Polytechnique.