BACKKia orana, Nisa bula vinaka, Talofa lava and Malo e lelei,
On Thursday 13 March, the Māori and Pacific tutor classes at Rangitoto College hosted their first whānau hui. The Year 13 Tū Rangatira leaders, Lyric Te Whetu and Maddi Cooper-Wiki and Year 13 Pacific leaders, Rosita Misipati and Sione Naufahu emceed a successful evening in the Rangi Centre with over 200 people in attendance. The hui began with a powerful mihi whakatau, welcoming all attendees and setting the tone for the evening.
The Māori and Pacific hui allowed our students, their families and their teachers to come together in a vibrant celebration of culture and community. Highlights of the hui included the announcement of the Māori and Pacific Committee Leaders for 2025, stunning performances by our Kapa Haka, Siva Samoa and Fijian dance groups and presentations on academic initiatives and support programs that will be running at the kura in order to uplift our students. The cultural performances were a particular highlight, showcasing the talents of Rangitoto’s students allowing them the honour to share their culture with the school community and keeping their traditions alive.
One-on-one mentoring and support options will still continue for our Year 12 and Year 13 students and our attendance at Polyfest and the Polynesian Panthers workshop serve as a catalyst for increasing and strengthening the bonds within our cohort. All of these exciting initiatives and events in the Māori and Pacific space allow our students to lead by example and create an environment where every student feels empowered to step into the greatness they are capable of.
The evening concluded with a delicious spread of food, allowing families, students and staff to connect with each other. The hui exemplifies the strength of our Māori and Pacific community at Rangitoto College. It is wonderful to see our students embracing their cultural identities and supporting each other’s journeys at the kura.
Amidst laughter, smiles, music, delicious food and dancing, the Māori and Pacific whānau hui was a resounding success. The evening was a testament to the power of our community in coming together and succeeding as a community.
A big thank you to our RA and PA tutor classes for decorating, hosting the evening and packing up afterwards. Thank you to our Associate Principal Peter Morton, Deputy Principal, Olivia Newman and Tū Rangatira tutor teachers, Kata Simpkins, Ke’arn Peters, Yasmine Chai, Mark Terei and Pacific class Tutor teachers, Tanya Swindells and Carmelita Maletino for their dedication in growing this space in our kura.
We look forward to hosting our next hui.
