Open doors, open hearts
04 Feb 2021
Good traditions well maintained – Tiakina tika, ngā tikanga tika. The tradition of the mihi whakatau, with its karanga, haka, whaikōrero, waiata, karakia and hongi, is a wonderful way to celebrate the coming together of our whole school community and mark the start of the new year.
Warm and welcoming, kaikaranga Tihi Puanaki called the manuhiri – our new staff and students – to the Quad. A resounding haka rang out as the guests assembled and Bishop Richard Wallace stepped forward to deliver a whaikōrero on behalf of the tangata whenua, before the school sang “Ka Waiata”.
Dr Mike Field and Whaea Susan responded on behalf of the new students and staff – they sang “Te Aroha”, then Executive Principal Garth Wynne welcomed them to the College community. “We’re so happy that you have chosen us, and we hope College will be a source of inspiration for you.”
After the waiata “He Honore”, Rev. Bosco Peters said a karakia to conclude the ceremony. Representatives of both groups came together to hongi, a symbol of unity as the two groups merge and become whānau, while the Chapel Choir sang the College waiata “Whakamanawa Ki Te Atua”.
Everyone then moved to the Assembly Hall for the first Chapel service of 2021. At the conclusion of the service the congregation shared some kai, before heading to their classrooms to begin the serious but inspiring work of teaching and learning.
