Matariki, the Māori New Year is a time to reflect on the past, celebrate the present and plan for the year ahead.

What better way to celebrate than with some activities alongside our friends at Gate Pā Primary?

Tuakana teina, the practice of older siblings (tuakana) mentoring younger siblings (teina) is one of the core philosophies that Tauranga Girls’ College embodies when connecting with our neighbouring school, Gate Pā Primary. For the Matariki celebrations, a group of TGC’s performing and visual arts students joined several Gate Pā classes for an afternoon of fun activities.

Activities included a spiral walk, where students could make goals and wishes for the new year, an outdoor game themed around the seven sisters constellation, a marble art activity, and face painting. The day was a great success with something for everyone to enjoy and get involved with.

Deputy Head Prefect of Arts Ella Paterson says the day was “a whole heap of fun,” and a great opportunity for arts students to share their creativity with younger students.

The connection between Gate Pā and TGC students is continued year round through our buddy reading and mentorship programmes, which are student-led and always lots of fun. It’s fantastic to see such an enormous uptake of these programmes by our ākonga as they seek to give back to our wider community. Ka mau te wehi!