On February 3, we started the school day with our traditional Powhiri.

A powhiri is a formal ceremony that brings together the new school members and the returning school whanau.

It was a very hot morning so students were exempt from wearing blazers.

Whaea Adrienne Huia welcomed new teaching staff, our new Year 9 Akonga, and students at other year levels with a Karanga that was returned by Taua Wendy Dallas-Katoa. The Kapa Haka group performed a traditional haka of welcome as the group moved into the hall. Darren Beatty spoke on behalf of the school, giving his mihi and his welcome from Ngai Tahu onto the land where the school resides. The Kapa Haka group, school, and staff sang a traditional song about the South Island with respect for the various landmarks of the tribe of these lands.

The second speaker was Clayton Tikao who spoke on behalf of the new school whanau but also bought his own daughter to start her journey here at Te Kura o Hine Waiora. He spoke of his hope that in a generation from now, all students would be able to understand the Te Reo that is spoken during a powhiri. Tino Rangatiratanga - the individual, sovereignty, relationships - subservience to no one - imparting this ideal into young leaders. Women represent half of the story.

The new whanau then sang to the school and it was good to hear so many beautiful voices amongst our new students!

It was then time for the hongi, thus sealing the welcome. The new staff and new students (other than Year 9) led and they were the Year 9 cohort who were represented by a group of 16 students The hongi is the act of sharing life’s breath thus removing the last of the physical and spiritual space between the two people.

Christine O’Neill addressed the school, making everyone feel welcome and giving a sense of perspective in time and place the new staff and students that they will become part of the history of the school. Mrs O’Neill used the metaphor of a waka that we are all on, on our journey through life together. She mentioned educating the heart as well as the mind. She referred to the new school values Christine also mentioned the importance of good relationships and care in our school. “Adding more texture to our tapestry of life”  and of reconnecting old relationships and forging new relationships.

Staff and guests were invited to share morning tea, and Year 9 were invited to a morning tea with Year 13, upon which time the powhiri ended.