Stella O'Sullivan, together with Olivia Bolwell and Mrs Belinda Van der Zande , did a fabulous job of organising the Boarding House's inaugural Matariki celebrations.

Matariki, the Māori New Year, is a time to gather with friends and family, remember the past, and plan for the year to come. A warm, cosy dining room, with starry decorations and lit by fairy lights, set the scene for our celebrations. 

After the welcome from Mrs Marianne Parks, Ripeka Pōtiki (Year 8) led us in karakia and gave a lovely kōrero about Matariki. We enjoyed a delicious meal made by Ms Bronwynne Kyle and her team, including a hāngī prepared in the traditional manner and cooked in a specially modified oven. The meal was followed by a screening of the movie 'Boy'. 

The evening was a lovely time to gather as a boarding community and we look forward to next year's event!

Special thanks go to Ripeka and Mrs Megan Pōtiki, Ms Kyle and her team, and Cibus Catering for the extra effort that they went to.

Starter: Half-shell mussels with garlic butter and sweet-chilli sauce

Main: Hāngī with pork, chicken, kumara, pumpkin, parsnip and cabbage

Dessert: Fried bread with golden syrup