Last week, former UHC student Michael Mika was sworn in as a district court judge at a ceremony at Waiwhetu Marae.

In a powhiri to welcome His Honour Judge Michael Mika, Upper Hutt College's Cultural Group supported him.  The group lead the pese "Lo ta nu'u" as well as "Siva Samoa" and "Fa'ataupati".

Cultural Group organiser Donna Montgomery was really proud of the group and what they added to the ceremony.

"Michael was particularly emotional to have students from his former school perform at his swearing in" she said.

With hundreds of people present including media including local dignitaries, government ministers and representatives of various iwi and other groups this was a much celebrated occasion.

The sense of occasion was not lost on Year 13 student and Cultural Group member Joziah Eneliko.

"It was such a good experience performing for an ex-student.  It was an honour and a privilege" he said.

"The performance was really good and I was so pleased with how we performed.  The group made quite an impact on the audience and we received lots of good feedback after.

Photos by Zac Blake