The best one ever!

What a special morning last Thursday's Matariki celebration was!  Thanks to the many, many whānau who made the annual 6am hikoi up Mt Atkinson for our celebration on the maunga.  This is always a very special time for our community when we celebrate the Māori New Year while looking for the stars of Matariki, sharing waiata together, reflecting on the year ahead of us, remembering those who have passed away, celebrating being together.

Following the hikoi we had a big crowd of whānau for breakfast in the hall and some performances by our Junior and Senior Kapa haka groups.  This was followed by a whole school assembly where we shared performances, art and activities related to Matariki.

Huge thanks to Sian Branks, Leader of Te Kahui our Māori curriculum team, for the mammoth task of putting the Matariki morning together. Thanks to all members of Te Kahui, our staff and whānau who have helped out.  Massive thanks also to Ben Branks from Kings Garden Cafe in Henderson for the use of equipment and donation of a lot of the food for the breakfast, plus a thank you to Wild Wheat for the donated bacon and eggs rolls.

We are deeply grateful to you all, our amazing community!

He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.

It is people, it is people, it is people!