On Thursday, 27th October, OBHS celebrated and acknowledged some outstanding achievements in 2022 amongst our Māori students across all year levels.

Boys were recognised for outstanding achievement culturally, academically and in sport.

Added to this, service to cultural activities was also acknowledged to our Year 13 boys in Kapa Haka over their 5 years at OBHS. 

We also had the opportunity to farewell our Maori leavers and perform for the first time the new OBHS Haka to honour them. 

Thank you to our special guest speaker, Matua Waiariki Parata-Taiapa who imparted some wisdom and inspiration to our boys. Thank you to the Rector Mr Hall who addressed the extended whanau and community and laid down some framework for building closer relationships with our Mana Whenua into the future. 

A great performance was given by Wairua Puhou, the combined OBHS and OGHS Kapa Haka group as well as the senior Maori class. Thank you to Matua Mac Te Ngahue for organising the Wairua Puhou roopu. 

Congratulations to all our winners of the awards which is a testament to the boys hard work and dedication in 2022. This would not be possible without the work behind the scenes of Assistant Principal and Maori Dean, Mr Mahutariki, and the OBHS Whanau Committee who hosted a great event. This was followed by a great Hakari (shared meal) which included crayfish, mutton birds, fried bread, steamed pudding, pizza, steamed tuaki (cockles) and much much more. 

Thank you to all the members of the whanau who contributed to a great night. We also want to thank some of our staff, Ms Moore, Ms Irving, and Matua Thomas and Mr Dadley who assisted on the night to help things run smoothly. We look forward to the main whole school awards evening next week.