Two outstanding King’s students were recognised at the Mana Pounamu Awards

The Awards celebrate the success of Māori students across the Otago region. 

The large Awards ceremony was not able to go ahead this year in response to Level 2 restrictions. King’s, Queen’s and Te Kura o He Waka Kōtuia held a joint ceremony at the Queen’s High School Hall to celebrate their students’ success, attended by whānau, staff, and students.

Manawa Singh was awarded in the tuakana (senior) section, recognising his contribution as Māori Leader at King’s High School this year, his success on work placement as a plumber, effort in the classroom and commitment to He Waka Kōtuia over the last five years. 

His Awards come with scholarships for Otago University and Otago Polytechnic.

Te Atarau Cassidy was awarded in the teina (junior) section. This recognised his outstanding academic achievements in Te Reo Māori and Te Ao Haka, his skill as an orator at the Manu Kōrero Regional and National Speech competitions and his significant contribution to He Waka Kōtuia this year.