Giving back to Kimi Ora

The boys have created a fantastic outdoor chair for our Kimi Ora department—learning valuable skills along the way. Ivan Drawbridge, Reuben Anguisaca-Bland, and Ethan Lawson have dedicated a large part of 2025 to this project. They worked together brilliantly and can be truly proud of their efforts. Thank you to Mr Watson for your support.

Ka mau te wehi, lads!

This year we farewell eight wonderful students from Kimi Ora.

Each of them has contributed so much to our Kimi Ora whānau and to Papanui High School—whether through leadership, sporting success, creativity, resilience, or their positive participation in every aspect of school life. We are incredibly proud of the young people they have become and grateful for the aroha, energy, and spirit they have brought to our community. Here are some memories they have shared.

“I have loved being at Kimi Ora because I have made so many new friends”. Ollie

“My favourite thing was going on camp to Living Springs camp and I really liked the water slide there and lunch and the Monorail”. Piper

“During my time at Kimi Ora I have experienced the organised chaos of our department and I have adored every minute of it!” Anton

“I felt that starting High School was a big change for me. Mrs Siave was a nice teacher. In 2019 I went to my first camp which was a bit daunting for me. Each year I started growing by getting involved in more challenges at school.” Lachlan

“At school I have taught Year 9 and 10 students dance, I feel confident teaching. I belong to Jolt Move where I am learning to be a dance teacher and next year I will keep doing this.” Jasmine

“I enjoyed learning Māori in the Whare, it was awesome to go to the Marae in town and do a speech”. Reuben

“I did bike riding, basketball, soccer, horse riding, park run, swimming, running at school, and gym. I like bike riding the best.” Will

“I have learnt to cook on my own and I am good at it. I am now able to cook recipes we haven't done at school”. Ethan

As they take their next steps beyond Kimi Ora, we send them off with this whakataukī:

“Kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui.”
Be strong, be brave, be steadfast.

We wish them nothing but success, joy, and opportunity in the exciting journeys ahead. Haere rā, and thank you for everything you have given to Kimi Ora.