Pōwhiri welcome for new students, staff and whānau tomorrow

We are looking forward to welcoming our new students, staff, and whānau to be part of our Taumata whānau tomorrow with a pōwhiri. 

Traditionally, pōwhiri were used by Māori as an important ritual that removed the ‘tapu’ (sacredness) from the manuhiri (guests/visitors) to make them part of the tangata whenua (people who belonged to that marae/land). It's always a special occasion being able to welcome new people to Taumta in this way with the support of kaumātua Tamati Tata and Des Tata (Ngāi Tamarāwaho). 

For new families joining us this year, we look forward to meeting you tomorrow. Meet at 8.50am by our Taumata entrance (pictured below) for a quick briefing with Whaea Lis and Whaea Kris, before you are formally welcomed into the hall for our ceremony. 

We proudly embrace this custom, among other Māori customs and practices, acknowledging our unique status as a bicultural country.