He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata
03 Feb 2018
On Wednesday 31 January, one of the hottest days of the year with cicadas in full song, the whole school gathered on the Quad to welcome new boys and staff to the College community.
The pōwhiri began as Kaikaranga Miriama Setterington made the ceremonial call inviting the manuhiri, escorted by teachers Mike Field and Steve Everingham, to come onto the Quad. A powerful rendition of the school haka, led by Max Goodwin, Toby Brooker-Haines and Kurtis Weeks, rang out as the newcomers took their places before the tangata whenua.
Assistant Principal – Curriculum Joe Eccleton gave the whaikorero, after which the school and staff sang Ka Waiata. Julius Housemaster and teacher Mike Field responded on behalf of the manuhiri, and the new boys and staff then sang Tihore Mai.
Executive Principal Garth Wynne welcomed them and thanked them for choosing to come to College, saying they are now part of something that is so much bigger than any one person and acknowledging the history and traditions that make College such a special place for so many people. “I promise you we will do everything we can to enrich your lives and make you a part of the story of this remarkable school. I ask you to support each other as the school community supports you, to celebrate and honour the spirit that exists within each of us as we strive to uphold all that is valued at Christ’s College ... I promise you we will do everything we can to bring out in each of you the very best.”
Following a whole school waiata, He Honore, and a blessing from Chaplain Bosco Peters, representatives of the manuhiri and tangata whenua greeted one another with a hongi, during which the Chapel Choir sang the new College waiata Ko Te Whakapono Ki Te Atua.
The pōwhiri signifies coming together and that, plus the Chapel service that followed, is a wonderful way to celebrate the start of the new school year.
