Tēnā kōutou katoa.
Ki ngā maunga, ngā waka katoa, tihei mauriora!

First and foremost, a big mihi to everyone. To the kaiako here at Hato Tamati, to parents and whānau Māori kōmiti, thank you for making this year such a memorable one. Also, a big thanks to all previous Whanau leaders who have influenced both me and other current and previous students.We started 2021 at Taumutu Marae and it was great to see the number of STC tauira Māori come together for the noho and have the opportunity to do what we do best – whakawhanaungatanga! If there is one thing that remains certain in this somewhat crazy and uncertain world – they are the connections and relationships that we have built with one another. Hold fast to them because great memories are never forgotten! It was also a real honour to be embraced by the Taumutu whānau and to listen to the hitori from Ngai Tahu tipuna about navigation and mahinga tuna. If there should be one wish for next year moving forward - it would that these noho marae become a regular part of STCs annual fixture in welcoming new tauira Māori and whānau to the kura.

To our Hato Tamati whānau kōmiti, thank you for manaaki, your help, advice, and guidance. And to all of our whaea and mātua, who have contributed to our kura over the year – I thank you for your generous koha to help set up our whānau room, the contribution of your time to tautoko the noho marae and the school hangi as we celebrated Matariki, ngā mihi ki a kōutou. Special mention must also be given to the boys who helped out with many school preparations behind the scenes – from peeling of riwai and pumpkins in the kitchen, to setting up of tables, to serving kai and hosting many manuhiri……ehara taku toa I te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini. Solid effort.

On a final note…. to all the boys here at Hato Tamati, go well in the future. Don’t be afraid to seize the moment, take the opportunities and always look to find those good lessons in life, even when things are not always going to plan! Hōpukina! For now, I leave here as a proud student, knowing that 2022 will bring new horizons, plans and dreams for each and every one of us.

Eruera Keelan-Jackson