Te Rerenga Wāna made history by participating in two significant pōwhiri ceremonies in a single day, representing their community with pride and purpose. One NZ organized the first pōwhiri to welcome esteemed guests from SpaceX, visiting from America, while the second took place at Te Kameka Marae, supporting the National’ Hīkoi mō Te Tiriti’ protest march to Parliament. The event was held to voice concerns over proposed government changes to the Treaty of Waitangi.
Our school was honoured to have two students, Ariana Kaio and Kaia Jamieson, perform the karanga at One NZ’s pōwhiri. In front of a large audience that included international guests, the girls’ performance was a proud moment for Te Rerenga Wāna, demonstrating the strength and talent of their cultural leadership.
Later, the students moved to Te Kameka Marae for the Hīkoi mō Te Tiriti pōwhiri. This event carried significant weight as it underscored a shared commitment to Toitū te Tiriti, the preservation of the Treaty, as many came together to unite against potential changes to the Treaty of Waitangi. By participating in these important events, the students of Te Rerenga Wāna represented their school and strengthened ties within the community and with local businesses.