On Tuesday 40 of our young rangatahi attended our ‘Mana Wahine’ Day, hosted by Te Tumu, the School of Māori, Pacific and Indigenous Studies at the University of Otago.

The aim of this day was to get together, listen to some inspirational stories from Māori women and to focus on our futures. We value all of our young Māori students and want to help them to realise their potential.

The day started with an impressive lineup of keynote speakers, including:

· Dr Tangiwai Rewi: Te Tumu Lecturer, Associated Dean Māori Studies- Division of Humanities, Te Tumu International Liaison Venue Te Tumu

· Professor Jacinta Ruru: Law Lecturer, co-Director of Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga (Centre of Research Excellence)

· Dr Ann-Marie Jackson: School of Physical Education Lecturer

· Professor Michelle Thompson-Fawcett: Geography Lecturer, Head of School of Geography

· Dr Telesia Kalavite, Lecturer, School of Māori, Pacific and Indigenous Studies

This was followed by five minute bytes of Wisdom and a Q and A session from a university student panel:

· Ella Walsh, Kaiāwhina Māori- Division of Humanities, Postgraduate Indigenous Studies

· Mikayla Te Whaiti – 3rd year Law student

· Matariki Wehi – 3rd year Law student

· Thomas Aerepo-Morgan – Postgraduate Indigenous Studies

We were delighted to catch up with Mikayla and Matariki who both attended OGHS and contributed to tikanga Māori, Wairua Pūhou and Ngā Manu Kōrero during their time at school.

After lunch our Wairua Puhou brothers from OBHS joined us for a kapa haka session. We were excited to perform with Te Roopū Māori from the university.

Thanks goes to all the speakers and helpers and especially to Matua Mac, Whaea Alvina Brown and Whaea Joe Hunter for supporting this great kaupapa.

Ehara taku toa, he takitahi, he toa takitini

My success should not be bestowed onto me alone, as it was not individual success but success of a collective