Although the rain was torrential on Monday 25 July, for the arrival of our new international students from Hong Kong, Germany, Japan and Vietnam, nothing could stop the excitement of welcoming them to our college.

Many students had travelled over 36 hours, especially those arriving from Germany just to get to Auckland alone, as airlines rerouted them via USA or Malaysia, but regardless of where the girls arrived from, they all turned up with big smiles and their enthusiasm was infectious.

A pōwhiri was held in the Hall due to the inclement weather, and our local Kaumatua and kaupapa Māori students welcomed them with two beautiful waiata. It was lovely for the international girls to experience the warmth and aroha as they were inaugurated into the College. Scones and chat were provided afterwards in the International Centre and Ms Kanji welcomed them on behalf of the College.

The girls have received two days of orientation about living in New Zealand and the Bay of Plenty. They wore their new school uniform on Tuesday for the first time and there was great excitement as the girls really felt they now belonged to TGC. The students joined their new classes on Wednesday 27 July. We know that each international student will bring something special from their own culture by adding a richness to our already diverse student body.

Linda Clifford

Director of International Students