The pou whenua post marker was finally unveiled in a ceremony held by the University of Otago yesterday morning.
Māori development office project manager Kiritea Smith said the pou whenua was a "reminder of the history, as mana whenua, learning in this space for centuries".
"It creates a sense of belonging, not only for Māori students, but all students on campus, because it creates diversity and strengthens culture."
The pou whenua is said to represent the Māori demi-god Tāwhaki, known in Ngāi Tahu iwi as a mythical hero who sought celestial knowledge from the gods.
"There are other gods that have a similar story, but none of them are confined to Ngāi Tahu, so it makes sense to choose a narrative that is relative to Ngāi Tahu."
The three heru (combs) adorning the head of Tāwhaki represent the three rūnaka (tribal councils) of Otago; Ōtākou, Kāti Huirapa ki Puketeraki and Moeraki.
Many artists from the carving organisation Waitati Whakairo had contributed to the pou, but they chose to remain unnamed.
Development office executive assistant Rhonda Bryant said they were "really happy with the way it looks".
She understood that there were many questions around the length of time it took to reveal the sculpture, but hoped the unveiling was a way to start anew.
"There's of course been delays, but that's not the significant part of the story ...
"When people don't have the full picture, I get that they get a bit frustrated and confused.
"However, we've now had our unveiling and all the kōrero [talk] is very positive."
She said timing was not the important thing.
"It’s doing things in tikanga Māori that’s important, and a lot of that hasn't been understood."
