On Tuesday 9 August Te Kāhui Ako o Te Whanganui-a-Tara held their first Whanaungatanga Festival in the Alan Gibbs Centre at Wellington College.

This was a chance for all of our kura: Brooklyn Primary School, Kārori Normal School, Kāori West Normal School, Kelburn Normal School, Mākara Model School, Wadestown School, Northland School, Wellington Girls’ College and Wellington College to come together and celebrate our cultures together.

It was great to see so many whānau members in attendance throughout the day coming together to support their students. Te Haeata Awatea, our combined kapa haka group with Wellington College supported the mihi whakatau and performed, along with our Poly Club who were able to perform their bracket from Tu Tagata much to the delight of the crowd. 

It also gave the younger members of our Kāhui Ako a chance to connect with our students who acted as fantastic role models, showcasing what groups are available to them when they join our school in future years.

Much thanks must go to the Kāhui Ako Across School Teachers Group who coordinated the day, including James Weston from the Commerce Department, our Teacher in Charge of Kapa Haka, Whaearua Ross-Hotene, Pasifika Dean Rachel Crowhen, Anna Wilson, Deputy Principal, and other staff who attended for their support of the students on the day.