Macleans College Hui Whānau/Fono

On Thursday 29 October Macleans College invited parents and wider whānau of the Māori and Pasifika students to the Hui Whānau/Fono in order to connect and celebrate Māori and Pasifika culture at Macleans College.

The evening opened with karakia in Māori (Natalya Lavemai of Snell House), Samoan (Tina Fata of Kupe) and Tongan (Maria Tukunga of Upham) followed by mihi whakatau, a formal speech of welcome, by Riley Kingham (Snell).

Principal Mr Hargreaves, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Mr Wilkie and Mr Sarah also welcomed whānau and staff, followed by the singing of the waiata, Te Aroha.

Monalisa Punimata (Snell) and Riley Kingham spoke about what it has meant to them to be involved in the Māori and Pasifika leadership and mentoring group over their time at Macleans College.

The Macleans College Siva Samoa group lead by Tina Fata made their debut, including the performance of beautiful, graceful traditional dance to Loimata o le Fiafia and Sasa.  They even managed to get Mr Hargreaves, Mr Wilkie and Mrs Bigwood onto the stage for part of the performance.   Performing for the Siva Samoa group were Tina Fata, Natalya Lavemai, Monalisa Punimata, Maria Tukunga and Tayla Nankivell (Snell).

Following the formal part of the evening was the opportunity for whakawhanaungatanga, making connections and building relationships, while enjoying some kai. 

Thank you to all of those involved in this special evening, to the whānau for supporting the school, to Mr Wilkie and Mr Bodman from the Board of Trustees for their presence and to the staff members who came to support our students.