Columba College's international students were invited to Puketeraki Marae to be welcomed back to the city by the mayor.

On Wednesday, 8th of March, Columba College's international students were invited to a marae at Karitane along with 200 other students from various high schools as a cultural way to welcome back all the international students to Dunedin for 2023. This experience included speeches, Kapa Haka, and morning tea.

Amber, 2023 International Prefect said, "It was a great experience as I have never been invited on a marae before so it felt very culturally inclusive.”

The event started with all students entering the marae, followed by a speech from the mayor (Mr Jules Radich) welcoming us. He let us know how appreciative he is of our arrival and how Dunedin is a great place to be able to study because of the environment and people. We were also welcomed with a speech in te reo and the day was finished off with Kapa Haka from the juniors and a variety of delicious food.

Photos with the mayor and students were taken toward the end of the event.