"Ka whangaia, ka tupu, ka puāwai" -That which is nurtured, grows, and blossoms

Our Tuakana leaders play an important part in creating a welcoming and supportive environment for our Year 9 students. Throughout the year, we visit junior classes in small groups to run activities, games, and lessons that help new students get to know each other, feel more confident, and connect with our school values.

To prepare for this role, the Tuakana team took part in a Noho Marae at school during the holiday. This program was led by Challenge 2000 who took us through, a range of challenges designed to build leadership, teamwork, and resilience.

A guiding motto we developed—shown on our Tuakana poster— “Ka whangaia, ka tupu, ka puāwai.”  (That which is nurtured, grows, and blossoms) continues to shape our approach as we lead with empathy and respect throughout the year. By creating this kind of environment, we hope to give our teina a strong foundation of connection and confidence as they begin their high school journey—support that will carry them through the challenges and opportunities of the years ahead, and help them grow into leaders themselves.