On Wednesday 1st February Manawatu College held its opening Powhiri to welcome a number of new students and staff into the College.

There have been many new enrollments this year and while many of them have been from the local catchment areas of Foxton, Foxton Beach, Himitangi and Shannon, we have also had students come from places as far away as Taupo, Gisborne, Wellington,  and Germany! 

Along with many new students we also welcomed 7 new staff members, also from a wide range of backgrounds including the Australia, Wales and even the United States of America!

The powhiri was led by Whaea Piki and senior Kaitiaki students Tayla Kuiti, Te Ahi Kunaiti,  Karlissa Lahina-Murphy, James Birch, Paora Tamihana and Leighton Briggs who were superb.

Foxton Primary School staff and students came along to help transition their senior students from their kura into Manawatu College, performing a beautiful waiata.

The powhiri concluded with light refreshments in the staff room.

Check out the pics and video below.