Kava ceremonies take root at AUT

Kava ceremonies have a new prominence at AUT after featuring in several university-run events this year.

At least three events have featured the traditional Pacific drink derived from kava root, most notably the welcoming ceremony for Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific Advocate Jacoba Matapo.

“It's an opportunity for learning. And quite often, the dialogue and exchange in kava ceremony as well provide opportunities for learning and for connection,” says Matapo.

The earthy beverage is typically consumed in group ceremonies for mental clarity and its calming, euphoric effect.

Ceremonies can range from large-scale events in full cultural attire to more intimate and conversational circles.

The decision to incorporate a traditional ‘ava ceremony was shared between AUT leadership and the Office of Pacific Advancement.

“I felt that being Samoan, it would be significant not just for me, but for my whole family to be welcomed through a cultural ceremony,” says Matapo.

Matapo says that parts of the kava ceremony will always adapt to new times and environments.

“Culture continuously evolves, and even our ancestors were open to innovation and change. But at the same time, you have to retain aspects of the cultural intelligence and cultural knowledge.”

For attending student Pettric-Henrica Mamea, the ceremony was a source of “big hope.”

“I was looking forward to what changes will come to AUT in terms of moulding Pacific students in higher education.”

Mamea views AUT’s kava ceremonies and the parades after Samoa’s Rugby League World Cup 2022 campaign as a potential trend towards positive Polynesian representation.

“Seeing that, I think for other Samoan students and other Polynesians, they'll see that, ‘Oh, our culture's here’, and they'll feel like they belong a little more.”

“And, you know, I'm pretty sure people that aren't Polynesian were interested too.”