This week we have a spotlight on our ‘Global Connections’ Puna Wānanga group.

Students are diving into the world of diplomacy with Model United Nations (MUN). MUN is a dynamic simulation of the real-world UN proceedings. Students are experiencing the thrill of debating global issues, crafting solutions, and enhancing leadership skills, all while fostering a deeper understanding of international relations. Through MUN, students join a vast network of peers from schools across the globe, fostering friendships and creating lasting connections at both local and international levels. With things happening each term, the MUN group has already had an online MUN event at school with students in China and attended a Model United Nations event at the University of Auckland a few weeks ago. There are still things in the works for this year and students in this space are absolutely fizzing at the opportunities around them to connect and make a difference!

Big congratulations are in order for our very first UN Youth Ambassadors at Rototuna Senior High School - Sreshthaa Sivakumar, Diya Thangavadivel and Vennela Puvvula! They will be working towards bringing the UN Youth vision closer to our students with their mission of promoting a spirit of engagement, tolerance and making a difference. We can’t wait to see the amazing work that they’ll achieve! Big thanks to the kaiarataki Benny and Martin for all the hard work they do in this space for their learners.

We also have Puna Wānanga groups pitching their project ideas to The Keg Room’s ‘100 Locals Who Give a Damn’ this Wednesday in attempts to secure their spot in the final. Groups pitch their ideas to community business owners for a chance to win $10,000 towards their projects aimed at giving back to our community. We wish our groups good luck! Look out for our next newsletter for news on how our groups went.