Open doors, open hearts
04 Feb 2021
Good traditions well maintained 鈥� Tiakina tika, ng膩 tikanga tika. The tradition of the mihi whakatau, with its karanga, haka, whaik艒rero, 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 鈥� our new staff and students 鈥� to the Quad. A resounding haka rang out as the guests assembled and Bishop Richard Wallace stepped forward to deliver a whaik艒rero on behalf of the tangata whenua, before the school sang 鈥淜a Waiata鈥�.
Dr Mike Field and Whaea Susan responded on behalf of the new students and staff 鈥� they sang 鈥淭e Aroha鈥�, then Executive Principal Garth Wynne welcomed them to the College community. 鈥淲e鈥檙e so happy that you have chosen us, and we hope College will be a source of inspiration for you.鈥�
After the waiata 鈥淗e Honore鈥�, 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 wh膩nau, while the Chapel Choir sang the College waiata 鈥淲hakamanawa Ki Te Atua鈥�.
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.
