Wednesday February 12, 2025
New deputy
By Frank Neill
It’s a return home for Wainuiomata High School’s new Tumuaki Tuarua/ Deputy Principal Valerie Rooderkerk. Valerie spent much of her youth, as well as her early teaching career, in the valley.
Continued on page 2.
Wainuiomata High School’s new Tumuaki Tuarua/Deputy Principal Valerie Rooderkerk. Photo: Frank Neill.
How to reach us
Phone (04) 587 1660
REPORTER
Frank Neill
wainui@wsn.co.nz 027 490 3916
SALES
Les Whiteside
les@wsn.co.nz 021 360 008
A return to her home
Continued from page 1
“It’s nice to be home,” she says.
“Mum and Dad have lived here for nearly 50 years ... and Wainuiomata is home.”
When her family moved to Wainuiomata from Palmerston North, Valerie was intermediate school aged. She attended Wainuiomata Intermediate School and then was a student at Wainuiomata College for five years.
After completing her degree
she began her teaching career at Wainuiomata College in 1991.
She taught at the school for six years and then went overseas.
After returning to New Zealand Valerie was contacted by a former Wainuiomata College teacher
“that heard I was home and rang me.
“He rang and said ‘we’ve got a job going [at Whanganui City College], why don’t you come and have a look.
“I came, and I was there at
Whanganui City College for 26 years and I finished as Deputy Principal.”
Her next move was to join the leadership team at Wainuiomata High School this year.
During her time both as a student and a teacher, Valerie has been significantly involved in sporting and cultural activites.
She played both Netball and Volleyball for Wainuiomata College, representing the Hutt Valley in Netball.
“Sport was a big thing for us in Wainuiomata,” she says. She then coached Volleyball at Wainuiomata College while teaching there. In her time at Whanganui City College, Valerie managed the school’s Hip Hop crews, who have won the national championships for the last 10 years.
“I also managed and coached Netball for a long time and looked after waka ama crews and all sorts of things,” she says.
High school’s Head Students
Wainuiomata High School’s five Kaiarahi/ Head Students began their roles with the start of the 2025 school year.
Each student leads one of the school’s five houses, which are named Turakirae, Remutaka, Remurapa, Pukeatua and Ngahuia.
Antariksh Anandis the Turakirae House head student. Antariksh goes by the name Ricky and he is a year 13 student at the school.
“My subjects of interest are STEM, Music and Filmography,” he says.
SALES
Steve Maggs
steve@wsn.co.nz 027 765 8303
“Previously, I graduated from Fernlea School in 2018 with the Spirit of Fernlea Award, and from Wainuiomata Intermediate with the Overall Academic Excellence Award in 2020.
“This year, I attended the 2025 Rotary National Science and Technology Forum.
“I am of Indian descent, born and raised in Wainuiomata. After Wainuiomata High School, my aim is to study Mechatronics Engineering at University,” Ricky says.
Makayla Gorerepresents Remutaka House.
“I feel very privileged to be in this role, as
High School’s 2025 head
Nicholas, Ruby McGregor, Makayla Gore and
it’s something I’ve always strived to achieve,”
Makayla says.
“I come from a family of four: mum, dad, and a younger brother.
“I enjoy travel, arts and crafts, sport and learning languages – especially Japanese.
“Learning Japanese has opened many doors for me. I’m fortunate enough to have visited Japan late last year.
“Once I have my mind on something I’m very passionate about making it happen. So I look forward to seeing what the head students for 2025 are capable of.
Reihana Te Raunais the head student for Ngahuia House.
“Ko Reihana Te Rauna t ku ingoa,” he says.
“He uri ahau n Ngati Porou, Te Aitanga a Mahaki, Rongowhakaata me Tuhoe.
“My goal in 2025 as a Kaiarahi is to help my Wharekura thrive.”
Bonnie-Lee Nicholasis the head student for Pukeatua House.
“I am half M ori, half Scottish (Ng ti wh tua and Ng ti Raukawa).
“I’m shy so my goal this year is to gain more confidence in myself so I can be a good head student and as a head student I want to make this year memorable,
“I wish to travel the world,” Bonnie-Lee says.
“Ko pukekaroro te maunga
“Ko kaipara te awa
“Ko mahuhu ki te rangi te waka
“Ko ngati whatua te iwi
“Ko te uri o hau te hapu te hapu
“Ko te pounga te marae,” she says.
Ruby McGregor is the Remurapa head student.
“Ki te tahu o toku koroua,” she says.
“Ko te awaoutahi toku maunga
“Ko taurekaitai toku awa
“Ko takitemu toku waka
“Ko ngati kahungungu ki heretaunga toku iwi
“Ko ngati kere toku hapu
“Ko porangahou toku tipuna
“Ko te poho o kahungungu toku whare
“Ko rongamaraeroa toku marae
“Ko McGregor toku whanau
“Ko Ruby toku ingoa.”
Lessons from this week’s fire
By Frank Neill
Wellington Road home owners were “very lucky” after a fire that began on their stove spread into the ceiling of the house on 10 February.
Initially the home owners did not call the Fire Brigade as they thought they had put the fire out.
Unknown to them the fire had spread up through the range hood into the ceiling.
It was only when they noticed smoke come from the ceiling that they called the brigade, at around 4:41pm.
“It was a very small fire where the range hood goes into the ceiling,” the Wainuiomata
Volunteer Fire Brigade’s Chief Fire Officer Peter Thomson says.
Fire fighters were quickly able to access the area through a manhole and they also needed to pull down some ceiling material to access the fire.
The house did not have smoke alarms, which would have alerted the occupants sooner that there was a fire.
This fire highlights a series of messages for all home owners or occupiers, CFO Thomson says.
One is “if you keep cooking, keep looking.”
The second is “if people have a fire call the brigade immediately.
“Also, have working smoke alarms,” CFO Thomson says.
Wainuiomata
students (from left) Reihana Te Rauna, Bonnie-Lee
Ricky Anand. Photo: Frank Neill.
Science Forum was life changing
By Frank Neill
Wainuiomata High School student Antariksh (known as Ricky) Anand has returned from a “life changing” Rotary Science Forum, held in Auckland in January. Ricky was one of 168 students from around New Zealand to attend the forum, following a lengthy selection process.
I submitted my application to the forum to the Petone Rotary Club, had an interview in order for them to assess me, and after a few weeks, I got a confirmation email from the forum staff announcing my being accepted,” Ricky says.
“The Rotary Club of Petone funded my entry almost entirely, with the difference being made up by WHS and my family.
“Upon arriving at the forum, the environment was very welcoming and comfortable.
“This lasted throughout and the leaders did their utmost to assist and help us.”
The Rotary National Science and Technology Forum is held in Auckland by Rotary New Zealand, the University of Auckland, and Massey University.
“We went around the campuses and got exposed to all the different areas of science and technology that are there and can be studied.
“We had modules where we got to see the campus and learn about things such as quantum mechanics and biology.
“We got to dissect a sheep’s heart. That was actually quite interesting. We got to see the inner workings of the sheep’s heart.
“For me personally, originally I went in wanting to do computer and software engineering.
“But coming out of it, I was introduced to this new field called mechatronics engineering, which combines mechanical, electronic and software engineering.
“So that’s what I want to do now going forward.”
In fact the year 13 student now plans to study at Victoria University next year and take their mechatronics aligned course.
This relatively new field mainly focuses on robotics, Ricky says.
The Science Forum not only provided education, there was also a social aspect.
During the forum I met many people who I now consider close friends.
“These people and these fantastic events made this a life-changing event to remember,” Ricky says.
“In the first week, I went to educational
modules including:
how 3D scanning is used in architectural, archaeological, and construction environments.
we were shown how passive architecture has a big effect on sustainability, and I also had my whole perspective changed on how I should view the concept of sustainability.
a compressed version of the fundamentals of quantum physics, and got to use professional software to modify and simulate the structure of molecules.
centre of the University of Auckland and were shown how they create plasma and study lasers for medical and computational purposes.
study path, and competed to complete a task with a robot by programming it.
“We also had 'Tech Visits' where we could pick a company or larger institute to go to for a few time slots throughout the forum.
“For this week my tech visit was to go to the Liggins Institute of the University of Auckland where we were shown how they use their findings in order to help eliminate
Cricket Club Old Timers Day
By Frank Neill
The Wainuiomata Cricket Club celebrated its Old Timers Day on 8 February. Those attending had the opportunity to take in some Cricket, with both the premiers and the second XI playing at Bryan Heath Park. Neither team fared well on the day however. The second XI lost a fairly closely contested match against Naenae Old Boys, with Naenae scoring 213 all out and then bowling Wainuiomata out for 195. That gave the visitors an 18 run win. The premiers were forced to follow on in their match against Johnsonville. Johnsonville won the toss and elected to bat.
Wainuiomata bowled them out for 263.
Jackson Hemmingway and Ryan Jackson took three wickets each, Jackson at a cost of 47 runs and Ryan at a cost of 72 runs.
Brett Dransfield chimed in with two wickets for 41 runs and Callum Mackaness with one wicket for 37.
Johnsonville then bowled out Wainuiomata
for just 119 runs.
Logan Stoupe was the best of the Wainuiomata batsmen and finished the innings on 20 not out.
Jake Robertson also scored 20 and Jackson Hemmingway followed up his good bowling spell by scoring 18. Wainuiomata reached 17 without loss in their second innings at stumps, still need 128 runs to make Johnsonville bat again.
Yesh Prashanth scored the bulk of the second innings runs and finished the day on 16 not out. Jordan Rangikauhata was 1 not out at stumps. The match featured an encounter between the teams holding second and third placing on the Wellington division 2 table. Before the current round Johnsonville lead Wainuiomata by one point.
cancers faster.
“We also got to tour around the institute during which we were introduced to their DNA Genome Sequencing labs, and were shown a library of various preserved organs for study.
“It was really interesting and I feel having that exposure was really valuable.
“During the second week, I had some more modules:
Olympic training facility and got to see physical evaluation processes and utilities they use to help athletes advance.
a sheep's heart and learnt how the heart of a sheep relates to that of ours'.
process police investigations and border confiscations.
“On the last day, I was part of a select group who went to Rocket Lab as our final tech visit.
“We toured their facilities and saw various components of their upcoming rockets, as well as how they function.
“This was the part of the forum I most looked forward to, and I can say without a doubt that it exceeded my expectations,”
Ricky says.
Mental health walk
A walk for mental health will be held at William Jones Park on Sunday 2 March, starting at 1pm.
Organised by Wellington Rugby and Eastern Hutt Rotary, the Hīkoi for Mental Health is open to everyone. The hīkoi will be 3km long. All proceeds from the event will support Youthline Wellington. People can donate via the donation buckets or QR code on arrival. Barbecues will be running, and the event’s colour theme is purple.
Bike challenge
The Aotearoa Bike Challenge is back this month. This is a competition where people and organisations across New Zealand see who can get the most people riding a bike any time in February. There are prizes for both riding and encouraging others to ride too. To register for the event visit www.lovetoride.net/nz.
Community Board
The Wainuiomata Community Board will hold its next meeting tonight, 12 February, beginning at 6:30pm at the Wainuiomata Neighbourhood Hub. Following the time alloted for people to speak the Mayor will provide an update.
That will be the first of a series of presentations, including one by Wellington Regional Councillor Quentin Duthie, one on the Sustainable Growth Strategy, one on the Low Carbon Acceleration Fund and one on the Residents’ Satisfaction Survey.
contact my Wainuiomata
Ricky Anand outside the Rocket Lab, the part of the visit he most looked forward to.
Photo: Ricky Anand.
ROUND 16
Arrest follows assault in Wainui
A man has been arrested following the assault in Wainuiomata on 5 February, which left a man with serious injuries.
The 23-year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The Police have seized the vehicle he was driving and it is being forensically examined. About 10pm, Police were called to a car park
on The Strand after a report of people fighting.
Those involved had left the scene in two vehicles before Police arrived.
A short time later, emergency services received another call for service to Riverside Drive, stating a man had been injured and required medical assistance.
He was located in his vehicle with serious injuries, which are believed to have been sustained in the altercation at The Strand.
He was transported to hospital in a serious condition.
“Our enquiries have established that the incident occurred after an alleged road rage incident, which is believed to have occurred on Wainuiomata Road, between Rata Street and The Strand,” the Police say.
The Police are still looking to hear from anyone who may have information about this incident or those involved.
“In particular, we would like to speak to the occupants of a light-coloured Toyota Corolla, who may have recorded the incident on a phone,
and the occupants of another vehicle who stopped and attempted to calm those involved in the incident,” the Police say.
“The alleged assault took place in a supermarket car park, with the store open at the time and shoppers about, so we are confident there are other people who witnessed what occurred and may be able to help our enquiries.”
Anyone who can help can use the Police’s 105 service and quote reference number 250205/0193. People also share information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
WANTED
Newspaper Deliverers
The Wainuiomata News requires deliverers in the following areas on a Wednesday each week:
AREA 1: Faulke Ave, Burden Ave, part of Wood St 270 papers
Pool party a big success
By Frank Neill
LOCAL TRADES
AREA 2: Hamstead, Enfield, part Wellington, Kendall 220 papers
AREA 3: Dover Rd, Westminster Rd, part of Wellington Rd 385 papers
AREA 4: Hair St, Rowe Parade, Gibbs Cres, part of Main - 280 papers
AREA 5: Meremere St, Manurewa Gr, Mataura Gr - 300 papers
AREA 6: Frederick St, Derwent St, Mackay St- 260 papers
AREA 7: Parenga St, Ngaturi Gr, parts of Wood St and Coast Rd - 235 papers
AREA 8: Wright St, Hyde St, part of Moohan St - 300 papers
The free pool party at the Wainuiomata Swimming Pool on 8 February was a big success.
Held from 6pm to 8pm, the pool party was sold out within 20 minutes of opening.
That was because the crowd had reached the maximum 600 people the pool can accommodate, for safety reasons.
As well as taking to the water, swimming and the water slide, the pool party featured a sausage sizzle, competitions and spot prizes, including one for the best manu.
Some of the crowd at the Wainuiomata Pool for the very successful pool party. Photo: Love Wainuiomata.
Contact Sandra Situation Vacant
Hurricanes win in Wainui
By Frank Neill
Wainuiomata provided a happy hunting ground for the Hurricanes when they defeated the defending Super Rugby Pacific champion Blues team 31-19 at William Jones Park on 7 February.
But for two late tries to the Blues, the score would have been even more flattering for the Hurricanes, who put on a very strong performance.
It was the Blues who started the match strongly, however, and they were the dominant team during the opening 10 minutes.
During that time they scored a try and converted it, to take a 7-0 lead.
However the Hurricanes came back and scored five unanswered tries.
Two of these came in the first half, to give the Hurricanes a 12-7 lead at the break.
They then extended that lead to 31-7 before the Blues managed to cut the deficit late in the match.
The move away from the Blues dominance began when Wainuiomata’s Peter Umaga-Jensen broke the defence, beginning a move that eventually resulted in the team’s first try to Kini Naholo.
Billy Proctor, Kade Banks, Fehi Fineanganofo and Peter Lakai also touched down for the Hurricanes.
Harry Godfrey kicked one conversion and Riley Hohepa added two conversions.
The Hurricanes were superb on the counter attack in particular, and outmuscled the highly regarded Blues set piece play. They also defended very well, defusing a series of promising Blues attacks.
All 41 of the Hurricanes players brought to the game had time on the field. The match was the first Super Rugby pre-season game held in Wainuiomata.
ACROSS 1. Result (5-6)
7. Scoundrel (7) 11. Pulls (5)
12. Deviousness (7) 13. Excellent (5) 14. Alert (9) 15. So (9)
16. Directs (6)
18. Skull (7) 21. Disorder (4) 23. Racket (3) 25. Take by sips (3) 27. Stake (4) 28. Artlessness (7) 30. Low chair; Chaise (6) 32. Expert; hand (3) 33. Strange (3) 34. Zealous (6)
35. In brisk time(music) (7)
36. U.S. state (4)
37. Biblical vessel (3)
39. Curve (3)
41. Cupid (4)
43. Exposed to air (7)
45. Female relatives (6)
48. An endless time(Lat) (9)
49. Left handed people(inf) (9)
With a strong emphasis on connection and community, Hurricanes Head Coach Clark Laidlaw was a driving force behind selecting the venue.
“Wainuiomata is a passionate rugby community and home to some of our most loyal supporters.
“It’s always special when we can get out and connect with our fans in the wider region,” Clark said.
“Tyrel Lomax and Peter UmagaJensen both grew up in Wainuiomata and have strong ties to the rugby club.
“It felt like a natural fit for us to play there, and it aligns perfectly with our
51. Angry (5)
52. Solidify by cooling (7)
53. Anaesthetic (5)
54. Humbleness (7)
55. Friendship (11) DOWN
1. Sound (5)
2. Sent (11)
3. Shy (8)
4. Of public revenue (6)
5. Turn outwards (5)
6. Constrict (7)
7. Has high morals (8)
8. Reduce (6)
9. Sanction (7)
10. Audacity (5)
16. Arrange in steps (7)
17. ‘Old Blue Eyes’ Frank (7)
19. Competitor (5)
20. N.Z. Prime Minister 1975-84 Sir Robert (7) 22. Boils (7) 24. Catch (3)
26. Group of whales (3)
Topic (5)
Uninvited guest (4-7)
Deoxyribonucleic acid
33.
38.
goals this season – strengthening our connection with the fans and giving back where we can.”
All Blacks legends Tana Umaga, Piri Weepu, and Neemia Tialata all hail from the suburb, while Jonah Lomu represented the local club in 2000 and 2001.
Current stars include Tyrel Lomax, who won this year’s prestigious Tom French Memorial M ori Player of the Year award, and the UmagaJensen twins – Peter and Thomas.
The Hurricanes open their 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season on Friday 14 February against the Crusaders in Christchurch.
40. Restrained
42. Casual (7)
44. Annual calendar (7)
46. Scoffs (6)
47. Manservant (6)
48. Form of expression (5)
49. Water vapour (5)
50. Gambol (5) Solution
Last week: 5 February 2025
(abbr) (3)
Sphere (3)
U.S. horse race; Derby (8)
(8)
Wainuiomata’s Ruben Love signing the plaster cast of a fan when the Hurricanes were in Wainuiomata to play the Blues. Photo: Imray’s Snaps.
Hurricanes flags were prominent at William Jones Park on 7 February. Photo: Imray’s Snaps.
Peter Lakai making a run for the Hurricanes. Photo: Imray’s Snaps.
Kade Banks scoring a try for the Hurricanes. Photo: Imray’s Snaps.
New Wainuiomata High School staff
As well as its new Deputy Principal, Wainuiomata High School has welcomed eight new staff to its team for 2025.
Aparna Jayakumar says she is “thrilled to join the wh nau of Wainuiomata High School as a new teacher this year.
“With a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Otago and a diverse background spanning digital technology, business and education, I am eager to bring a dynamic and inclusive approach to the classroom.
“My teaching philosophy centers on empowering students to grow as creative, critical thinkers while nurturing theirmana atuaand celebrating their unique identities.
“Originally from India, I’m embracing life in Lower Hutt – wind gusts and all.
“When not teaching, you’ll find me dancing, discovering local gems, or debating the merits of classic films.
“I’m also passionate about supporting students beyond academics and look forward to contributing to extracurricular activities.
“Ng mihi nui to the Wainuiomata community for welcoming me,” Aparna says.
Gabby Richardsonwas born in Australia, but moved to New Zealand in 2019 to attend university.
“I studied English, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, and Social Science. After four years of study, I graduated with a Master of Teaching and Learning.
“I started teaching at Wainuiomata High School in 2022, mainly teaching English.
“I took some time away to travel in 2024 and I am thrilled to be back this year as the Turakirae dean.
“I’m looking forward to a busy but rewarding year with our students, and to working in our newly completed spaces.”
Subhashni Lata-Prasadsays she is “excited to be joining the Wainuiomata High School community as an ESOL and literacy teacher.
“I have a Bachelor of Arts and a Graduate Certificate in Education, majoring in Language and Literature and Food and Nutrition studies.
“With six years of experience in supporting students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, I am passionate about helping our students develop the language and literacy skills they need to succeed in their academic and personal pursuits.
“I am committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment that values the diversity of our students’ experiences and backgrounds.
“I look forward to working collaboratively with students, teachers, and whanau to help our students achieve their full potential.,”
Subhashni says.
Seyyedali Khanihooarihas been in the secondary school sector for around 17 years. She taught for a grammar school for 10 years and afterwards moved to a low decile school.
“After a year, I was appointed as the head of the English Department,” Seyyedali says. In 2019 she was awarded a researcher award for her book on Jane Austen.
“During my professional development learning, I have managed to learn how to preparestudents think critically in English studies and criticism.
“I have recently joined the Wainuiomata High School,and am very happy to beworking in such a friendly teaching environment.
“I hope I can transfer my experience to my students and learn even more from my colleagues and the school's staff to provide the best service to studentsand their families,”
Seyyedali says. Elijah Gepiga says he is a “passionate Kaiako of English at Wainuiomata High School. “I believe that my student’s language is a central part of their identity. I make sure that my students’ voices are heard by using evidenced-based dialogic pedagogy.
‘I was born in Riverside, California, before my family moved to Manila in the Philippines. I then moved to Auckland in 2011 right in time to catch the New Zealand Rugby World Cup.
“I moved to Dunedin to complete a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Film and Media studies. I recently completed a Master of Teaching and Learning and am excited to join the profession.
“I have now moved to Waikanae and am enjoying the warmer weather compared to the chill of Dunedin,” Elijah says.
Brenna Crump recently completed her teacher training at Victoria University and previously studied at Massey University and Ara Institute in Fine Arts and Design.
“I grew up in tautahi and have lived in Te Whanganui-a-Tara for the past eight years. I love living in the lower North Island and consider it my tūrangawaewae.
“I have a passion for all things creative, in particular sculpture and drawing. I am also committed to caring for the environment and am always finding ways to be more sustainable.
“I am very excited to share my knowledge with the students of Wainuiomata and help them to be the best version of themselves,” Breanna says.
Georgia Wallacesays she is “excited to step into the role of Teacher in Charge of Music at Wainuiomata High School in 2025.
“Music and the Arts have always been a huge part of my life, and I have a deep passion for songwriting, performance, and taonga pŪoro.
the badminton or netball court, either playing or coaching.
“I also love cooking and baking, and when the holidays roll around, I’m usually off on a road trip, camping my way across the motu.
“I’m looking forward to an exciting year ahead – bring on 2025,” Georgia says.
“Ko Aoraki te maunga,
“Ko Waitaki te awa,
“Ko Indus te waka,
“Ko Ng i Tahu, me Ngati Kahungunu mana whenua
“N Heretaunga ahau
“I tupu ake ahau I amaru
“K tahi koe ka neke atu ki tepoti, ki Wairoa, ki Wairarapa
“Kei Maungaraki ahau e noho ana in ianei
“Ko Kathryn Holyoake t ku m m
“Ko Kevin Wallce t ku p p
“Ko Frederick raua ko Henry ku tung ne
“Ko Dallas t ku tama wairua
“Ko Delilah-Rose t ki tam hine wairua
“Ko Georgia Wallace t ku ingoa.”
Ko Dr Te Manawa Ross Maodun Murray-Dunn t ku ingoa.
“Long name, eh? N wai te he?” he says.
“Where lies the blame for that mouthful? My late Mum. Ask me when you see me about this 9-inch name, and how it emerged into existence.
“I will send to any parent, or konga a copy of my CV/Resume, and they can then perhaps use it as a model to awhi their children to produce a CV/Resume. My e-mail is temanawamd@wainuiomatahigh.school.nz.
“Two Credits can be gained by merely writing up a CV/Resume, following the standard guidelines and turning in without spelling errors and so on.
Dr Murray-Dunn outlines a prize opportunity: five books along with a Domino's Pizza Voucher are the prizes.
The task is:
1) Translate into your own language the kupu/words of the whakatauki/wise saying/ Proverb M ori or any cool as whakatauki that speaks to your heart and will speak to others.An example only – "K ore te kumara e k rero ana mo t na ake reka."
“Family working for Families in Tasman”
The Homestead is in the heart of Wakefield Village. Helping to make a positive difference in people’s lives.
“I can’t wait to see the creativity and talent that our students bring to the Music space this year.
“I’ve previously taught at Rathkeale College in Masterton, Wairoa College in Hawke’s Bay, and Masterton Intermediate.
“Throughout my career, I’ve enjoyed the challenges of teaching in diverse spaces, which led me to pursue a postgraduate qualification in psychology. This has strengthened my understanding of student well-being and reinforced my belief that pastoral care is just as important as academic success.
“I feel privileged to be joining a kura that celebrates each konga for who they are, and I’m looking forward to building strong connections with both students and wh nau.
“Outside of school, you’ll often find me on
2) Present both your or your group’s whakatauki and translation in a fun and cool way, (as an aside – Te Reo M ori konga can just straight write their whakatauki explanation into other Te Reo Kupu, or whatever they want to do).
Examples of presentations, but not limited to them include:in a snappy group waiata, on a painted canvas, on the side of a goat, painted on a tee-shirt, or clothing piece, groups body art, painted on rocks you source from somewhere, or on a huge banner pulled by a drone, large poster – ”whatever speaks to your creativity and imagination”.
The judges' decision will be final.
All new kaiako will judge the Famous Five Winners under the Supervision of Matua Matauranga. Winners will be presented in an Assembly. At a lunchtime outside the Wharekura, the judging will begin at the end of February/early March. “Get cracking. “Mauri ora,” Dr Murray-Dunn says.
Three of the new staff at Wainuiomata High School (from left): Breanna Crump, Tumuaki Tuarua/Deputy Principal Valerie Rooderkerk and Elijah Gepiga. Photo: Frank Neill.