Te Pā has been through a lot of ups and downs and without its Kaiurungi and Kaimahi, Te Pā wouldn't be what it is today!

This year, we have had to say goodbye to some special people who are moving on to continue carving their own path. But for many of our kaimahi and pononga, it was a day to celebrate their career at Te Pā and to wish them luck with their future.

In the morning, we celebrated our Kaiurungi, Te Tau Ihu o te Waka, our Matua Tauira. The morning started off with a pōwhiri then into haka and waiata. It was an emotional morning and a very proud moment for all. Kōkā Hera had also worked hard on a special video as a surprise for Matua Tau. Past and present pononga and kaimahi all had a wee message for our leader.

Matua Jodi had also been creating in his shed, working hard on a special tāonga, a Kō that included not only the rākau, both also featured Pounamu and a special Bone carving. He then presented it to Matua Tau, and the whole pā let their emotions out in a full blown haka. You could definitely feel the ihi, wehi and wana.

After lunch, we were in Rapanui once again and this time, we had to say goodbye to five Kaimahi. It was an afternoon full of speeches and haka to say goodbye to Matua Morehu, Whaea Rahera, Matua Kana, Whaea Katrina and Whaea Ana. Whaea Ana has been a part of Te Pā since 2016, and she has impressively taught the majority of our tamariki. You will all be missed and we wish you all the best for your next steps. E mihi ana ki a koutou.