Ebony Kalin (T’28) joined Duke University in Fall 2024 as the first Australasian Student admitted as part of the early admissions process. Ebony plans to study public policy and political science while in Durham. As one of 13 students currently enrolled at Duke from New Zealand, Ebony proudly joins us from Te Paepae o Aotea, a bilingual Māori and English high school in Hāwera, South Taranaki, New Zealand. The school’s mission is deeply rooted in serving its community, and its’ whakatauākī (proverb): ‘Kia eke atu ki Taupaenui o te tangata’ challenges the school to instill in their students the tools to help them achieve their full potential, in the pursuits they and their whānau (family) deem essential. The school’s cultural narrative is the foundation that they use to unpack elements of Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) in its students. Read more about her school’s mission and vision here.
Before her 24-hour-plus journey to Duke, Ebony was gifted a Patu Rakau in a traditional Haka and Waiata by her school. This Patu Rakau is carved by James Davidson out of rata, a New Zealand hardwood. The Patu is an important cultural symbol for the Māori and was used in battles and in ceremonial displays of strength and skill. Today, the Patu continues to be used in ceremonial events, as shown here during Ebony’s first week at Duke. According to Ebony, “to be presented a Patu Rakau is an absolute honor, when the entire school stands to perform the haka (cultural dance) to acknowledge someone’s achievements is a moment full of mana (pride/presence) and is truly special. I’m proud to gift this piece of New Zealand Māori culture to Duke University and are excited to continue to share my culture with the institution”.
The Patu Rakau was gifted to Duke International Student Center (DISC), and received by Dr. Kevin D’Arco, Senior Associate Dean for International Students, earlier this semester. Dr. D’Arco noted, “I was incredibly touched to receive this from Ebony on behalf of Duke. It was a kind gesture with deep meaning, and DISC is honored to be connected to the Māori community through this symbol.”
The Patu Rakau is proudly displayed with other items from international students in the DISC-West office in Bryan Center-101A.