Bay of Plenty Polytechnic kaumatua, teacher and friend, Tamati Tata, is stepping into retirement after working at the institution for nearly 20 years.

Bay of Plenty Polytechnic chief executive Dr Alan Hampton says Tamati's contribution to teaching, staff development and improving the educational achievements of Maori are notable.

Tamati Tata is stepping into retirement after almost 20 years of engaging with young people at the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic.

'Tamati's passion for education and increasing the knowledge and understanding of Maori history and tikanga has been a lifelong commitment and will be sorely missed.”

Tamati first joined the Polytechnic in 1992 as a part-time tutor in Maori studies. In his most recent appointment in 2007 as matauranga advisor, Tamati tutored across a wide range of programmes with a particular focus on raising the bicultural awareness of students and staff to improve student retention and success.

Tamati's extensive knowledge of Tauranga Moana history, in particular the events of Gate Pa and the intricacies of Mauao, have been of great benefit for students and his peers.

He is also a consummate orator about his own marae at Huria, his Ngaitamarawhao hapu, his Ngati Ranginui iwi and of course Tauranga Moana.

The polytechnic's director education and Maori development, Kuku Wawatai, says Tamati was excellent with students.

'Tamati is truly bicultural and has been infectious in his ability to engage students, learners and visitors to the fascination and practicalities of Maori world view as a real option for everyone.”

Although retiring, Tamati will retain a strong connection with the polytechnic, in part owing to the work of his uncle, master-carver Tuti Tukaokao.

He designed the striking stainless steel monument that stands proudly beside the polytechnic's library and student services building, Te Aongahoro.

Tamati is also related to the scholar, educator and community leader Dr Maharaia Winiata (Ngati Ranginui, Bay of Plenty) whose name adorns the polytechnic / University of Waikato partnership building at the Windermere campus.

It is also his mother's own weave design that adorns the paved entrance to the polytechnic's Wharenui – Pomare.

Tamati is almost 65-years-old, has a Bachelor of Maori Studies (Hons) and is within reach of completing his Masters, both with the University of Waikato.