On Wednesday evening, during our Matariki Whānau Hui, our school community gathered for a very special occasion — the unveiling of the beautiful tukutuku panels now gracing the walls of our school hall. These panels, woven with care and deep cultural significance, honour four extraordinary wāhine toa from our school’s history, each of whom helped shape both our kura and our country.

Te Raita Ngamoki and Te Whānau Arohanui shared moving kōrero at the unveiling, highlighting the stories behind each panel and the values these women represent — values that continue to guide us today: knowledge, courage, determination, commitment, connection, generosity, and strength.

Flora Allan (Orange House) – Dux in 1879 and principal from 1912-1921, represented by Poutama, the stairway to knowledge. Flora’s journey from student to leader embodies lifelong learning and growth.

Ethel Benjamin (Blue House) – New Zealand’s first woman law graduate, represented by Waewae, symbolising movement, progress, and connection. Ethel’s work broke barriers and forged new paths in law.

Dr. Margaret Cruickshank (Red House) – Aotearoa’s first woman medical graduate to practise, represented by Pātikitiki, symbol of abundance and whānau interconnectedness. Margaret’s life reflected service, generosity, and care.

Yvette Williams (Green House) – Our first New Zealand woman Olympic gold medallist, represented by Kaukau, symbolising strength, resilience, and unity. Yvette’s achievements on the world stage showed the power of determination and courage.

These stunning tukutuku panels are not only works of art but also powerful reminders of the legacy we inherit and the values we strive to uphold. We thank all who contributed to this project — especially Te Raita Ngamoki, Te Whānau Arohanui, our students, staff, and wider community — for making this vision a reality.

Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa