Kia ora koutou katoa,

It is with great pride and excitement to share with you an update on the incredible initiatives Kāhui Kōrero (Māori Student Council) has been working on, along with some upcoming events that showcase our culture, unity, and passion. Our aim is not only to represent the voices of Māori students but to celebrate and embrace our rich heritage in every way possible.

First and foremost, I’d like to highlight the recent Whānau Hui. This gathering was instrumental in strengthening our sense of whanaungatanga – that deep sense of belonging and connection to one another. The Whānau Hui has allowed us to come together, share experiences, and discuss ways to improve the school environment for Māori students. It’s been a space for whakawhanaungatanga, where we can build meaningful relationships with not just our peers but also our teachers and the wider school community. This has also led to the formation of the Parent Committee, for whom we’re so grateful for the ongoing support from both our Māori and non-Māori whānau who’ve joined us in these discussions.

Moving on to another exciting initiative – our Kapa Haka practices! These sessions have been filled with energy, commitment, and an overwhelming sense of pride. For us, Kapa Haka is not just a performance art – it’s a powerful way of expressing who we are, our values, and our connection to the land and the ancestors who came before us. Our rangatahi have been working hard to perfect our waiata, haka, and poi items in preparation for competing at the Regional Kapa Haka competition at the Edgar Centre on the 15th of June, known as te Hautoka.

This is an exciting opportunity for our kapa haka ropū to showcase everything we’ve worked for, to honour our ancestors, and to represent our school with the strength and mana we carry as Māori students. With every practice, the anticipation grows, and the commitment from everyone involved has been nothing short of inspiring. We are so excited to share our hard work with the wider community and to see the results of our collective effort.

The work of the Māori Student Council doesn’t stop here. We are continually brainstorming new ways to lift up our culture, and we are dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where Māori students can thrive. We are excited to keep pushing forward with initiatives and fundraisers that engage our school in meaningful conversations about te reo Māori, tikanga Māori, and the importance of celebrating our heritage every day.

We invite all students, staff, and whānau to join us on this journey. Whether it's by supporting our kapa haka performances, attending our hui, or simply engaging with the kaupapa of the Māori Student Council, we all have a part to play in making our school a place where Māori culture is not only acknowledged but also celebrated and cherished.

Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa, thank you all for your continued support.