The professor of Māori at Taranaki polytechnic says his department's new home will help spread kaupapa Māori throughout the institution.
Since 1988, the Wānanga Māori has had a series of temporary premises at Te Kura Matatini o Taranaki - the Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki.
A warehouse has now been converted into a new base including a study lounge to look after students from all study courses.
Te Huirangi Waikerepūru of Taranaki whānui was the polytech's first te reo teacher and led the successful 1994 Privy Council case to preserve the language.
Mr Waikerepūru says the polytech has taken a long time to offer Maori a permanent place.
Giving all students and staff a better view of Māori skills and values in action will encourage new ways of working, he says.
