Motueka High School

Launched in 2012, Welcoming Week gives us an opportunity to celebrate our welcoming values through local events and initiatives that foster mutual understanding, stronger connections, and deeper belonging among all of us — particularly long-time residents and newcomers.

Aotearoa is one of the most diverse countries in the world. There are over 200 different ethnicities. A quarter of all people who call New Zealand home were born overseas. Our diversity is our strength. It's what makes us a vibrant and attractive place to be. Welcoming Week in Aotearoa is a chance to celebrate these qualities and demonstrate two important Māori principles:

Whanaungatanga — the importance of relationships, and
Manaakitanga — the process of showing respect, generosity, and care for others.

On Friday 9 June MHS was represented at the regional Ngā Manu Kōrero Speech competition hosted at Nelson College for Girls. Our speakers were Leah Ngawhika (Senior English), Temaru Teaukura ( Junior English) and Kahukura Iosefa (Junior Māori). They all stood with mana and confidence, and came off stage feeling pleased about their delivery. Each achieved a third place in their respective categories.

The additional 22 MHS students who accompanied and supported our three speakers were smartly attired, well behaved, and did a particularly good job of learning and performing the waiata in support of their fellow students. Even with the early start of students needing to be at school by 7am, they did this without issue or complaint and maintained a positive attitude. All in all it was a fabulous day.

Thank you to everyone for their support behind the scenes. To those who released students from classes to allow us to train & and rehearse, to those who gave encouragement to our speakers and to those who helped with the logistics of uniforms, vans, EOTC admin, teaching relief etc…he mihi maioha (greetings of gratitude).

Special thanks to Whaea Hilary & Whaea Trish for chauffeuring & chaperoning van loads of students on the day and congratulations to Whaea Karen and the Te Tauihu team of organisers for a smoothly run event. Big thanks to Tania Corbett and Maihi Barber for organising this and accompanying the students.