On Monday 3 February, new staff, our Year 9 cohort and new students from other year levels were welcomed with a pōwhiri.

They first gathered on the front lawn before being welcomed onto our school campus with the support of our Rangitāne kaumātua Pā Wiremu and Whaea Trieste Te Aweawe and their daughter Nuywne.

Our kapa haka, staff, prefects and connections leaders did the school proud with wonderful haka pōwhiri. Hamish Ruawai, principal of PNINS, spoke on behalf of all new students. Ms Walker and head girl Victoria Brown spoke and welcomed new staff and students to PNGHS before our Year 9s were placed into their form classes for the rest of the day. It was great to have a good representation of whānau at this important event.

The whakatauki ‘nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi’ aptly summarizes what made this such a special and successful event. The literal meaning ‘with your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive’ speaks of the sharing of resources and knowledge to ensure the wellbeing of all people involved.

Article added: Friday 14 February 2025