On behalf of myself and Arihia we would like to thank you all for the privilege of being the Tauhere of te pā for 2022. For our final task as head girls we were given the opportunity to speak at graduation. Below is a small part of our speeches given on Friday on behalf of the graduating class of 2k22!

I would like to leave the graduates of 2022 with a one final message. Many of our heroes, social and political leaders started their lives as an average person. Despite the failures and mistakes we will make and although we may be “average” we find the average person can achieve greatness. Whether recognised by the world or by few. If there is anything that te pa has taught us it is to stand proud in who we are as people, create our own pathways and grasp every opportunity that comes our way and by doing so leading us on a path to greatness. There are no words to describe how truly humbled and privileged we all are to go to te pā. We are encouraged to be unapologetically ourselves and are loved for every strength, flaw or quirk. We were given a safe space for us to mourn, learn, laugh, thrive, connect and above all else given an extension of our family. So to my fellow graduates Since the first day we stepped through those doors we have been preparing for this very moment however to give back I challenge you to use this next chapter of your lives to leave your legacy and continue to encompass everything that te pa stands for. Be proud of your accomplishments, be proud of who you are and be proud of your roots here at te pā.
I wish you all the best of luck in your future endeavours and although this chapter of our lives has come to an end you can never really take the pa out of a pa kid.
So although it feels like a goodbye this is merely a see you later.
This is the graduating class of 2022 signing out
-Sophia Clarke-Walker

Kia Ora , ko Arihia Hoani tōku ingoa!!!
The biggest thank you to my whole whanau & extended whānau for helping out were needed over my 13 years of schooling!! I wouldn't be half the person I am without yous all!
It hasn't been the easiest 13 years but I done it!!! I spent 7 years at Te pā o Rākaihautū, 7 years of learning my culture, experiencing amazing things & becoming a better version of myself!
To all our Kāiarahi at Te Pā , I thank yous all so much! They installed love , time & effort into me! Helping me believe in myself, building my confidence!
To my class!! OMG WE HAVE GRADUATED! Many memories have been made! It hasn't been the easiest of years but we all got through it together!! I can't wait to see what the future has installed for all of you! To my long life friends I love yous all and I am so proud!🤍
My time being a student here at our pā has come to an end! But once a pā kid always a pā kid🤍