Tutor’s tribute to ANZAC Day stands-to on campus

Two armed guards stand tall with rifles in hand, watching over Wintec’s Rotokauri Campus as silent stewards of learning.

Located in the middle of Wintec’s Rotokauri Campus, Peter Rameka’s steel sculpture stands as a tribute to ANZAC troops.

The steel sculpture depicting ANZAC soldiers, carefully crafted by engineering tutor Peter Rameka, was ceremoniously unveiled recently.

It’s been moved from its original posting as protector of a māra kai (food garden) to be enlisted as kaitiaki of knowledge in the heart of campus.

The monument is a symbol of remembrance, a homage to the courage and sacrifices made by New Zealand and Australian troops.

It’s also a tangible expression of Peter’s values and commitment to his ākonga (students).

“It’s important to reflect on those who went off to war, especially the youth, some were only 16 years old. Some of our ākonga (students) at Wintec are of a similar age,” says Peter.

Wintec engineering tutor, Peter Rameka, delivers a speech at an unveiling event for his ANZAC sculpture.

He designed the sculpture to embody the wairua (spirit) of the ANZACs, “by pouring in my values to the creation of the sculpture, I’m giving it mana”.

“This project is an expression of my pūrākau (narrative), it’s steeped in Wintec values, which motivated my mahi and this project”

Those values include pastoral care, which he says is an integral part of his mission as a kaiako (tutor).

“That’s not something I can turn off, it’s 24/7,” Peter says.

“Just like feeding people never stops, our campus is a māra (garden) of knowledge, not just kai.”

Peter Rameka next to his sculpture after its unveiling before ANZAC Day.

The sculpture received rust removal and a fresh lick of paint for its unveiling from Wintec workshop master Merrianna Graham and is surrounded by plants laid by horticulture students.

Culinary students baked ANZAC biscuits for attendees to enjoy in support of the event.

The ANZAC sculpture is surrounded by fresh plants thanks to Wintec's horticulture students.