“Käore te kumara e kõrero ana mo tõna ake reka. The kumara does not brag about its own sweetness.” This proverb is about humility and leadership.

Mana Pounamu Young Achievers’ Awards 2017

Recently our school was very proud to nominate two of our young Mäori leaders for this prestigious awards ceremony. Jade Middleditch, Käi Tahu, from Year 13 and Rinaria Hepi, Ngäti Tüwharetoa, Ngäti Rangi and Ngäti Raukawa from Year 10 were our 2017 nominees.

Mana Pounamu is an annual event held at the University of Otago, with representatives of Parliament, local government, tertiary providers and Käi Tahu runaka there to support the event.

Schools from all over Otago consult with whänau and staff in the selection of two students who display strong qualities of leadership. Whänau write a supporting statement, the school provides a testimonial and the student constructs a C.V. of their sporting, cultural and academic accomplishments.

Following each citation, a rousing haka or waiata tautoko from school friends is given. The evening always has a previous recipient as the keynote speaker and finishes with a hängi. It is a real highlight of our calendar and so uplifting to experience the stories of such a wealth of positive young people.

A pounamu is gifted to each student and for seniors, a range of opportunities is provided by sponsors, one of which is a course fees scholarship at Otago Polytechnic.

Jade is on her career path to enter the police force and had already planned to attend Otago Polytechnic’s sports and social work courses before receiving her scholarship.

Her whänau support letter stated:

“Jade is a genuine, kind and thoughtful person with the passion and determination that has seen her achieve highly in both sporting and academic pursuits. She is a role model in the way she maintains her mana motuhake; with self-belief, discipline and great motivation.”

Her school testimonial included this statement:

“Jade has made the effort to put herself forward for leadership roles although she is a naturally quiet and reserved person. Her calm, mature attitude and determination to get the job done, no matter what it is, stand her in good stead.

She has had to show great resilience this year in the wake of sports injuries that have left her behind rather than competing in Singapore, and with a long break from her chosen sports. This has meant handling disappointment and making the best of her opportunities despite setbacks.

Jade’s commitment to sports - most notably Football and Futsal this year has been impressive. We are proud of her for stepping up to being on Te Kähui Kõrero, the Maori Student Council this year to help make decisions in this space.

Jade is a likeable and friendly student who works with focus and diligence to achieve her goals. Her humour, transparency and willingness to express herself endear her to staff. She has been strategic in planning for her career with her mentor and has developed excellent relationships with staff and peers.”

Rinaria’s whänau wrote:

“Rinaria was fully immersed in te reo Mäori from Kohanga Reo and has continued to follow ngä mahi o õna tüpuna.

Her kaiako have assisted her to blossom in confidence, stature and further learning of her culture and identity. She shows this with great natural pride. Ka mau te wehi!

Her sporting prowess comes from many hours of dedicated physical, mental training and sacrifices.

The most endearing attribute that we have seen of late is her ability to share and pass on the wisdom that she has acquired, training others in sports, teaching and leading kapa haka on her marae, guiding and walking beside others within her whanau and church where she is required to take a lead role. “He mokopuna He ataahua”

The calibre of these students speaks of their upbringing and their learning journey. We are very proud to have two such fine young leaders and look forward to future developments in their careers.

Māori Education Trust 2018 Scholarships

The Mäori Education Trust 2018 Scholarship Programme is now open and offers scholarships to Mäori secondary school and tertiary students who meet the respective scholarship’s criteria.

The 2018 Secondary Scholarship Programme is made up of the following scholarships:

Year 9

 Tï Maru Mäori Trust Secondary Boarding Scholarship

 Rose Hellaby Scholarship

Year 9 – 13

 Sister Anne Henry Scholarship

Year 12 – 13

 RJ Graham Scholarship

Year 13

 VW & LM Rosier Scholarship

 Regina Rudland Memorial Scholarship.

Whänau can download an application from the website www.maorieducation.org.nz

Staff at OGHS will be supporting individual students to make applications; please contact Whaea Joe at joe.hunter@otagogirls.school.nz or 0272221073 if you would like help.

Mataora Health clinic

Haere mai, Haere mai, Haere mai. Calling our Mäori and Pacific whänau, we are now open for your enrolments. Enrol now to ensure your access to low cost medical and dental care. Don’t miss out. Come into the old College Street School (25 College Street - Caversham) to complete enrolment forms. We are open 9-5 Monday to Friday - call us on 034719960 . This post is targeted at our Mäori and Pacific community as this is an iwi led initiative , however all people with a Community Services Card are welcome to enrol. Ngä mihi ! $18 doctor consultation, but if enough people sign up, this will come down to $10 so please share with friends and whänau.

Our official opening ceremony/ open day will be upon completion of the dental clinic and Arai Te Uru Whare Hauora's whänau ora space. This will be in the week of the 11th-16th of December - stay tuned !

http://www.tekaika.org/ Find us on Facebook too.