A memorable occasion for reflection - written by Thomas Tracey Y13.

The key milestone to kick off the school year, the Mihi Whakatau, took place on February 1st, welcoming a mammoth 317 Year 9s, ten staff, a sprinkling of Year 10-13s, and their families to the school community. As a Monitor now in my final year of school, participating in this momentous ceremony provided me with a refreshing sense of perspective. 

Gazing out into the swarm of new Year 9s, I was transported back to my own Mihi Whakatau four years ago, when I too was filled with nervous excitement, clutching my new stationary, shiny shoes, and ill-fitting uniform. From that moment of reflection, I contemplated how far I had come at CBHS, and how the onus was now on us, as it was for the 2019 Monitors, to ease the transition into school life.

The ceremony began with the new students, staff and their families entering the main gates through a guard of honor formed by the 2023 Monitors. The students then assembled on the school field and lined up behind placards bearing the code of their Kaitiaki class – the group of soon-to-be mates who will accompany them on the beginning of their high school journey. After a brief introduction by Mr. Fraser, he led everyone into the hall to begin the formal aspect of the Mihi Whakatau. 

Once everyone was seated, Matua Daniel, representing the Tangata Whenua (people of the land), spoke at length in Te Reo Māori, welcoming the visitors and elucidating his pleasure at the coming of a new year without the dreaded influence of COVID-19. In reply, Matua Sam and Matua Sean, new staff members and Old Boys, spoke as representatives of the Manuhiri (visitors), describing their gratitude for the warm welcome and excitement for the year ahead. Following this, President of the CBHS Old Boy’s Association Simon Carter and Headmaster Mr. Hill concluded the speaking portion of the ceremony by outlining their shared enthusiasm and anticipation for the bright prospects of 2023.

The ceremony concluded with a passionate, booming haka, performed by the 2023 Monitors and members of the CBHS Te Reo Māori programme, as the new students, staff, and their families exited from the hall. This symbolized their integration into the tight-knit CBHS community and marked a fitting end to a memorable Mihi Whakatau untainted by the influence of COVID-19 restrictions for the first time in three years.