Te Puna o Wairaka Prizegiving 2024
Chase Hartley and Te Arini Roberts, pictured above at left, handed over the kaitātaki tāne (male leader) and ‘kaitātaki wahine (female leader) roles for Kapa Haka to the two new leaders: Kingston Ballantyne and Awanui Hope.
The Te Puna o Wairaka Dinner on October 30 was a time for MAGS’ ākonga, whānau and kaiako to come together to reflect on and celebrate a great year for Puna.
Our Puna Year 13 Leavers were also recognised and farewelled with speeches and haka.
As well, there was a formal hand-over of the kaitātaki wahine (female leader) and kaitātaki tāne (male leader) for the Kapa Haka group in 2025. The sounds of waiata and haka rang out as this year’s leaders Te Arini Roberts and Chase Hartley handed over the ‘mauri’ in the form of a patu and taiaha to the two new leaders: Awanui Hope and Kingston Ballantyne.
Guest speaker was Albertian Dharyin Colbert (2011-15), who works in Māori health at the Department of Corrections.
Dharyin, pictured right, spoke about his te reo journey and how it had been different from that of his older siblings who were more immersed in te ao Māori. He found his way through Kapa Haka and performing at Polyfest and the Unity Concert, which were highlights for him in his time at MAGS.
He said his time at MAGS had given him a good grounding for his life’s journey and ongoing connections with the Puna whanau.
The awards dinner at Te Mahurehure Marae was MC’ed by Puna students Awanaui Hope, who also performed a waiata, and Jarom Rowell.
Te Arini and Chase gave the Leavers’ Address on behalf of Year 13s, mixing in a lot of humour while speaking about their gratitude to the Puna whānau and to Whaea Waimirirangi Paul and Matua Peter Walters for all their care and dedication.
When it came to the awards, Te Arini won the Top Senior Academic and was named All-Round Top Senior Student.
Kingston Ballantyne won the “Manu Tute” Award For Services to Puna and the wider community, while Milla Logan won the equivalent Junior award.
Chase Hartley won the “He toka tū” Award For Contribution to Kapa Haka.
Katie Watkinson was All-Round Top Junior Girl and Top Junior Academic; the All-Round Top Junior Boy was Te Awanuiarangi Mackwood.
The award for Top Senior Māori Language Orator went to Awanui Hope, and Isabella Dunn was named Top Junior Māori Language Orator.
When it came to sports achievement, Milla Logan won the top junior award, and Marnie Toloa the top senior award.
Some new awards were introduced this year, including the Toi Whakaari Award for Contribution to the Arts Pillar, won by Mahara Sialafau. The junior and senior Ngākau Titikaha awards for Upholding Tikanga and Reo Māori within Te Puna o Wairaka and the wider community were won by Patariki Mendes and Riley Golaboski respectively.
You can see more photos here
Te Puna o Wairaka Prizegiving 2023
Last night’s Te Puna o Wairaka Dinner was a time for MAGS’ ākonga, whānau and kaiako to come together to reflect on and celebrate a great year for Puna.
Our Puna Leavers were also recognised and farewelled with speeches and haka.
The awards dinner at Te Mahurehure Marae was MC’ed by Puna students Te Arini Roberts and Pomare Schulz, and featured Albertian (2009-2013) and NZ representative weightlifter Aotea Frandi as guest speaker.
Aotea said that she wanted to be a top netballer when she came to MAGS but soon realised the competition was too great and shifted her focus to Athletics and Sevens. She was still searching for her niche when our late First XV coach Mr Moon told her that her “Ngāpuhi legs” were more suited to weightlifting. From there, she went on to represent New Zealand, winning a bronze at the Oceania Weightlifting competition in 2013.
Aotea said that success was driven by her strategy of setting goals and plotting the path to achieve them, something she applied to her career in Psychology: she is working on her PhD as part of the University of Auckland Clinical Psychology program and working with youth at residential facilities.School House Head Prefect Hokioramai Dunn spoke on behalf of the Year 13 Leavers and expressed their gratitude to the Puna whānau and to Whaea Miri and Matua Peter Walters for all their care and dedication.
When it came to the awards, Mihimere Hope won the Top Senior Academic Award and the “Manu Tute” Award For Services to Puna and the wider community, while Hokioramai was named All-Round Top Senior Student and won the “He toka tū” Award For Contribution to Kapa Haka.
Brooklyn Smith-Boyd was All-Round Top Junior Girl and Top Junior Academic; the All-Round Top Junior Boy was Bailey Hamilton.
The award for Top Senior Māori Language Orator went to Awanui Hope, and Kamaukiterangi Mikaere was named Top Junior Māori Language Orator.
When it came to sports achievement, Jackson and Johnny Thompson won the top junior award and Waimarie Tawera the top senior award.
Guests were also entertained by Hokioramai Dunn, Tyler Ngawati and Lisi Crichton, who performed a rendition of Tōku reo, tōku ohooho.
You can see more photos here
Te Puna o Wairaka Prizegiving 2022
Te Puna o Wairaka was finally able to celebrate its top students and send its Year 13 Leavers off in style at its awards dinner on November 7 after last year’s event was held online due to Covid.
The awards dinner at Te Mahurehure Marae was MC’ed by Puna students Waimarie Tawera and Stuart Renata, and featured Albertian Lincoln Savage as guest speaker.
Mr Savage, who worked as a high school teacher for many years, was introduced by HOF Te Puna o Wairaka Waimirirangi Paul, who had been one of his students.
He spoke on the theme of the whakataukī ‘He manako te koura i kore ai’ (‘A crayfish won’t jump in your net, just because you wish it in there’). He said hard work, determination and dedication at MAGS had helped him to become a Deputy Head Prefect, an athletics champion, a swimming champion and captain of the 1st XV. He had also helped to set up kapa haka at MAGS by approaching the Headmaster at the time – Greg Taylor – about the need for such a group and then following through when he got permission.
He said that whakataukī had served him well throughout life, and it was one that Te Puna students could use as their mantra.
Deputy Head Boy Isaiah Nin and Michaela Minor spoke on behalf of the Year 13 Leavers and expressed their gratitude to the Puna whānau and to Whaea Miri and Matua Peter Walters for all their care and dedication.
A special moment on the night was the presentation of artworks to Whaea Miri and Matua Peter by the Year 13 Leavers. The prints were of works by Buck Loy Nin, the grandfather of Isaiah Nin. Matua Pete received ‘The Māori Totem’ and Whaea Miri received ‘The First Arrivals’. When it came to the awards, Aleisha Roulston won the Top Senior Academic Award, while Jackson Absolum-Leuluso’o was named All-Round Top Senior Student.
Isaiah Nin won the “Manu Tute” Award For Services to Puna and the wider community, while Bree Tipene received the “He toka tū” Award For Contribution to Kapa Haka.
Sasha Tobin was All-Round Top Junior Girl, and the All-Round Top Junior Boy was Jarom Rowell. The Top Junior Academic Award went to Kingston Ballantyne.
The award for Top Senior Māori Language Orator went to Hokioramai Dunn, and Awanui Hope was named Top Junior Māori Language Orator.
When it came to sports achievement, Gabreyl Tahitahi won the top junior award and Dani Ah Chee-Wilson the top senior award.
You can see more photos here
Te Puna o Wairaka Prizegiving 2021
Breanna Waka (left) was acknowledged as top all-round Māori student, while Charlotte Mann (right) was recognised for her service to our Māori community and, in particular, to Māori Performing Arts.
Sadly, there was no prizegiving dinner this year due to Covid-19 restrictions.
So, upon returning to school after lockdown, the tuākana of the school, the Year 13s, were given a happy send-off in the Caradus Quad, bringing to an end what was a difficult year with unity, joy, and celebration.
HOF Māori Waimirirangi Paul said, “We were also able to acknowledge those students who worked tirelessly throughout the year to uphold our reo, tikanga and ahurea.
“So, it is my pleasure to acknowledge Charlotte Mann; who was recognised for her service to our Māori community and in particular, to Māori Performing Arts; and Breanna Waka, who was acknowledged as our top all-round Māori student; along with four of our Year 12 students; Jackson Absolum-Leuluso’o, Lorielle Cowley, Isaiah Nin and Bree Tipene, who have been named prefects for 2022.
“We believe this is the first time that we’ve ever had four Puna students named prefect in the same year, so we are excited at what the new year has in store for us all and we will be there to tautoko these ākonga in their roles.
“Finally, some of our Puna Year 13s also received prestigious scholarships from universities such as The University of Waikato and The University of Otago, as well as the organisation PWC, which, again, is indicative of their commitment and hard work this year.”
You can see a list of all the prizewinners here
Te Puna o Wairaka Prizegiving Dinner 2020
Tayla Bamber and Niua Pomare-Khanna
Te Puna o Wairaka celebrated its top students and sent its Year 13 Leavers off into the world with an emotional farewell at the Celebration Dinner on Thursday, November 12 at Te Mahurehure Marae.
Guest speaker Dr Jennifer Martin encouraged the Leavers and Te Puna o Wairaka students to continue their te reo journey, saying it would open up some wonderful opportunities.
Dr Martin, who is a graduate of the kura at West Auckland’s Hoani Waititi Marae, went on to graduate from the University of Auckland and gain a PhD with her thesis written entirely in te reo Māori. She is now a Māori studies educator and runs a Māori language consultancy.
She urged the students to pursue their dreams, and not let any naysayers put them off achieving their goals.
As well as haka from the departing and remaining students, the event – MC’ed by students Breanna Waka and Isaiah Nin – featured a song by Albertian and Te Puna alumni Abbey-Jean Kaipara, who was backed by Andre Pickering on guitar.
During his speech, Headmaster Patrick Drumm called Te Puna HOD Waimirirangi Paul on to the stage to pay tribute to her work, which was recognised earlier in the week at Senior Prizegiving with her receiving a CP Liddell Teaching Scholarship.
When it came to the awards, Andre Pickering won the Top Senior Academic Award, was named All-Round Top Senior Student, and Top Sportsperson.
Tayla Bamber won the “Manu Tute” Award For Services to Puna and the wider community, while Niua Pomare-Khanna received the “He toka tū” Award For Contribution to Kapa Haka.
Kobe-Ray Cameron was All-Round Top Junior Girl, and the All-Round Top Junior Boy was Hokioramai Dunn. The Top Junior Academic Award went to Mihimere Hope.
The award for Top Senior Māori Language Orator went to Niua Pomare-Khanna, and Mihimere Hope was named Top Junior Māori Language Orator.
When it came to sports achievement, Waimarie Tawera won the top junior award.
In their farewell speeches, Niua Pomare-Khanna and Tayla Bamber, who both served as Deputy Head Prefects in 2020, paid tribute to Whaea Waimirirangi Paul and Matua Peter Walters for the vast amount of time they invested with their students whether it was in course work or in kapa haka. They both said that Te Puna o Wairaka and MAGS had given them great opportunities academically and culturally.
You can see more photos here
Te Puna o Wairaka Prizegiving Dinner 2019
Te Puna o Wairaka bid a fond farewell to its Year 13 Leavers and celebrated its top students at a special dinner on Monday, November 4 at Te Mahurehure Marae.
Kaitātaki tāne (male leader) and kaitātaki wahine (female leader) for the Kapa Haka group in 2020 are Niua Pomare-Khanna and Charlotte Mann.
There was also a formal hand-over of the kaitātaki wahine (female leader) and kaitātaki tāne (male leader) for the Kapa Haka group in 2020. The sounds of waiata and haka rang out as this year’s leaders Assina Te Paa-Kolio and Kisepi Ma’afu Roberts handed over the ‘mauri’ in the form of a patu and taiaha to the two new leaders: Charlotte Mann and Niua Pomare-Khanna.
Year 13 Leavers were also presented with pounamu but not before teachers Whaea Waimirirangi Paul and Matua Peter Walters had some fun at their expense, revealing the nicknames they had given the Leavers and the reasons for them.
Headmaster Patrick Drumm was the first speaker on the night – MC’ed by Year 12 students Niua Pomare-Khanna and Tayla Bamber – and he emphasised the importance of Te Puna in keeping te reo alive, empowering Maori students and maintaining diversity at MAGS.
Junior members of Te Puna performed a haka in tribute to the Year 13s, who performed their own thunderous haka towards the end of proceedings.
When it came to the awards, Abbey-Jean Kaipara won the Top Senior Academic Award and was named All-Round Top Senior Student.
Richard Mann won the “Manu Tute” Award For Services to Puna and the wider community, while Assina Te Paa-Kolio received the “He toka tū” Award For Contribution to Kapa Haka.
Bree Tipene was All-Round Top Junior Girl, and the All-Round Top Junior Boy was Isaiah Nin. The Top Junior Academic Award went to Nikora Morehu.
The award for Top Senior Māori Language Orator went to Niua Pomare-Khanna, and Te Waaka Popata-Henare was named Top Junior Māori Language Orator.
When it came to sports achievement, Princess Elliott won the senior award and Stella-Rose Woodman the junior award.
Te Puna o Wairaka Prizegiving Dinner 2018
The sounds of waiata and haka rang out at Te Mahurehure Marae as Te Puna o Wairaka celebrated its top students and farewelled its Year 13 leavers at a special dinner on Friday, November 9.
MC’ed by students Assina Te Paa-Kolio and Richard Mann, the event was opened with a karakia from Te Puna’s Matua Pete Walters.
Headmaster Patrick Drumm said Te Puna o Wairaka had a lot to celebrate with one of its first graduates, Black Fern rugby player Portia Woodman, recently named Albertian of the Year.
Mr Drumm thanked Te Puna o Wairaka students and teachers for helping the school to do better at celebrating Maori culture. One of their initiatives – bilingual signs around MAGS – was about to be put in place.
Junior members of Te Puna performed a haka in tribute to the Year 13s, who performed their own thunderous haka towards the end of proceedings.
When it came to the awards, Sheye Semple won the Top Senior Academic Award, while Phoebe Sullivan was named All-Round Top Senior Student and won the “Manu Tute” Award For Services to Puna and the wider community.
Stella Rose Woodman won the Top Junior Academic Award, while the award for All-Round Top Junior Girl went to Breanna Waka and the All-Round Top Junior Boy was Te Waaka Popata-Henare.
Kaharau Mendes received the “He toka tū” Award For Contribution to Kapa Haka, and the award for Top Senior Māori Language Orator. Isaiah Nin was named Top Junior Māori Language Orator.
When it came to sports achievement, Addi Albert-Jones won the senior award and Lavina Elliott the junior award.
At this year’s dinner, Whaea Waimirirangi Paul and Matua Pete Walters decided to formalise the announcement of the kaitātaki wahine (female leader) and kaitātaki tāne (male leader) of the Kapa Haka for 2019.
Sheye Semple (female leader) and Kaharau Mendes (male leader) from this year handed over the ‘mauri’ in the form of a patu and taiaha to the two new leaders, Assina Te Paa-Kolio (female) and Kisepi Ma’afu Roberts (male).
Ms Paul said the Year 13s had been an at times challenging group but she had loved working with them and watching their progress. She welcomed them to come back and visit as they would always be part of the whanau.
In a beautiful musical interlude, Abbey-Jean Kaipara performed waiata with the backing of Andre Pickering on guitar.
In their farewell speeches, Sheye Semple and Kaharau Mendes paid tribute to their Year 13 classmates, saying they had all come a long way in their time at Te Puna o Wairaka.
Te Puna o Wairaka Prizegiving 2022
Te Puna o Wairaka was finally able to celebrate its top students and send its Year 13 Leavers off in style at its awards dinner on November 7 after last year’s event was held online due to Covid.
The awards dinner at Te Mahurehure Marae was MC’ed by Puna students Waimarie Tawera and Stuart Renata, and featured Albertian Lincoln Savage as guest speaker.
Mr Savage, who worked as a high school teacher for many years, was introduced by HOF Te Puna o Wairaka Waimirirangi Paul, who had been one of his students.
He spoke on the theme of the whakataukī ‘He manako te koura i kore ai’ (‘A crayfish won’t jump in your net, just because you wish it in there’). He said hard work, determination and dedication at MAGS had helped him to become a Deputy Head Prefect, an athletics champion, a swimming champion and captain of the 1st XV. He had also helped to set up kapa haka at MAGS by approaching the Headmaster at the time – Greg Taylor – about the need for such a group and then following through when he got permission.
He said that whakataukī had served him well throughout life, and it was one that Te Puna students could use as their mantra.
Deputy Head Boy Isaiah Nin and Michaela Minor spoke on behalf of the Year 13 Leavers and expressed their gratitude to the Puna whānau and to Whaea Miri and Matua Peter Walters for all their care and dedication.
A special moment on the night was the presentation of artworks to Whaea Miri and Matua Peter by the Year 13 Leavers. The prints were of works by Buck Loy Nin, the grandfather of Isaiah Nin. Matua Pete received ‘The Māori Totem’ and Whaea Miri received ‘The First Arrivals’. When it came to the awards, Aleisha Roulston won the Top Senior Academic Award, while Jackson Absolum-Leuluso’o was named All-Round Top Senior Student.
Isaiah Nin won the “Manu Tute” Award For Services to Puna and the wider community, while Bree Tipene received the “He toka tū” Award For Contribution to Kapa Haka.
Sasha Tobin was All-Round Top Junior Girl, and the All-Round Top Junior Boy was Jarom Rowell. The Top Junior Academic Award went to Kingston Ballantyne.
The award for Top Senior Māori Language Orator went to Hokioramai Dunn, and Awanui Hope was named Top Junior Māori Language Orator.
When it came to sports achievement, Gabreyl Tahitahi won the top junior award and Dani Ah Chee-Wilson the top senior award.
You can see more photos here
Te Puna o Wairaka Prizegiving 2021
Breanna Waka (left) was acknowledged as top all-round Māori student, while Charlotte Mann (right) was recognised for her service to our Māori community and, in particular, to Māori Performing Arts.
Sadly, there was no prizegiving dinner this year due to Covid-19 restrictions.
So, upon returning to school after lockdown, the tuākana of the school, the Year 13s, were given a happy send-off in the Caradus Quad, bringing to an end what was a difficult year with unity, joy, and celebration.
HOF Māori Waimirirangi Paul said, “We were also able to acknowledge those students who worked tirelessly throughout the year to uphold our reo, tikanga and ahurea.
“So, it is my pleasure to acknowledge Charlotte Mann; who was recognised for her service to our Māori community and in particular, to Māori Performing Arts; and Breanna Waka, who was acknowledged as our top all-round Māori student; along with four of our Year 12 students; Jackson Absolum-Leuluso’o, Lorielle Cowley, Isaiah Nin and Bree Tipene, who have been named prefects for 2022.
“We believe this is the first time that we’ve ever had four Puna students named prefect in the same year, so we are excited at what the new year has in store for us all and we will be there to tautoko these ākonga in their roles.
“Finally, some of our Puna Year 13s also received prestigious scholarships from universities such as The University of Waikato and The University of Otago, as well as the organisation PWC, which, again, is indicative of their commitment and hard work this year.”
You can see a list of all the prizewinners here
Te Puna o Wairaka Prizegiving Dinner 2020
Tayla Bamber and Niua Pomare-Khanna
Te Puna o Wairaka celebrated its top students and sent its Year 13 Leavers off into the world with an emotional farewell at the Celebration Dinner on Thursday, November 12 at Te Mahurehure Marae.
Guest speaker Dr Jennifer Martin encouraged the Leavers and Te Puna o Wairaka students to continue their te reo journey, saying it would open up some wonderful opportunities.
Dr Martin, who is a graduate of the kura at West Auckland’s Hoani Waititi Marae, went on to graduate from the University of Auckland and gain a PhD with her thesis written entirely in te reo Māori. She is now a Māori studies educator and runs a Māori language consultancy.
She urged the students to pursue their dreams, and not let any naysayers put them off achieving their goals.
As well as haka from the departing and remaining students, the event – MC’ed by students Breanna Waka and Isaiah Nin – featured a song by Albertian and Te Puna alumni Abbey-Jean Kaipara, who was backed by Andre Pickering on guitar.
During his speech, Headmaster Patrick Drumm called Te Puna HOD Waimirirangi Paul on to the stage to pay tribute to her work, which was recognised earlier in the week at Senior Prizegiving with her receiving a CP Liddell Teaching Scholarship.
When it came to the awards, Andre Pickering won the Top Senior Academic Award, was named All-Round Top Senior Student, and Top Sportsperson.
Tayla Bamber won the “Manu Tute” Award For Services to Puna and the wider community, while Niua Pomare-Khanna received the “He toka tū” Award For Contribution to Kapa Haka.
Kobe-Ray Cameron was All-Round Top Junior Girl, and the All-Round Top Junior Boy was Hokioramai Dunn. The Top Junior Academic Award went to Mihimere Hope.
The award for Top Senior Māori Language Orator went to Niua Pomare-Khanna, and Mihimere Hope was named Top Junior Māori Language Orator.
When it came to sports achievement, Waimarie Tawera won the top junior award.
In their farewell speeches, Niua Pomare-Khanna and Tayla Bamber, who both served as Deputy Head Prefects in 2020, paid tribute to Whaea Waimirirangi Paul and Matua Peter Walters for the vast amount of time they invested with their students whether it was in course work or in kapa haka. They both said that Te Puna o Wairaka and MAGS had given them great opportunities academically and culturally.
You can see more photos here
Te Puna o Wairaka Prizegiving Dinner 2019
Te Puna o Wairaka bid a fond farewell to its Year 13 Leavers and celebrated its top students at a special dinner on Monday, November 4 at Te Mahurehure Marae.
Kaitātaki tāne (male leader) and kaitātaki wahine (female leader) for the Kapa Haka group in 2020 are Niua Pomare-Khanna and Charlotte Mann.
There was also a formal hand-over of the kaitātaki wahine (female leader) and kaitātaki tāne (male leader) for the Kapa Haka group in 2020. The sounds of waiata and haka rang out as this year’s leaders Assina Te Paa-Kolio and Kisepi Ma’afu Roberts handed over the ‘mauri’ in the form of a patu and taiaha to the two new leaders: Charlotte Mann and Niua Pomare-Khanna.
Year 13 Leavers were also presented with pounamu but not before teachers Whaea Waimirirangi Paul and Matua Peter Walters had some fun at their expense, revealing the nicknames they had given the Leavers and the reasons for them.
Headmaster Patrick Drumm was the first speaker on the night – MC’ed by Year 12 students Niua Pomare-Khanna and Tayla Bamber – and he emphasised the importance of Te Puna in keeping te reo alive, empowering Maori students and maintaining diversity at MAGS.
Junior members of Te Puna performed a haka in tribute to the Year 13s, who performed their own thunderous haka towards the end of proceedings.
When it came to the awards, Abbey-Jean Kaipara won the Top Senior Academic Award and was named All-Round Top Senior Student.
Richard Mann won the “Manu Tute” Award For Services to Puna and the wider community, while Assina Te Paa-Kolio received the “He toka tū” Award For Contribution to Kapa Haka.
Bree Tipene was All-Round Top Junior Girl, and the All-Round Top Junior Boy was Isaiah Nin. The Top Junior Academic Award went to Nikora Morehu.
The award for Top Senior Māori Language Orator went to Niua Pomare-Khanna, and Te Waaka Popata-Henare was named Top Junior Māori Language Orator.
When it came to sports achievement, Princess Elliott won the senior award and Stella-Rose Woodman the junior award.
Te Puna o Wairaka Prizegiving Dinner 2018
The sounds of waiata and haka rang out at Te Mahurehure Marae as Te Puna o Wairaka celebrated its top students and farewelled its Year 13 leavers at a special dinner on Friday, November 9.
MC’ed by students Assina Te Paa-Kolio and Richard Mann, the event was opened with a karakia from Te Puna’s Matua Pete Walters.
Headmaster Patrick Drumm said Te Puna o Wairaka had a lot to celebrate with one of its first graduates, Black Fern rugby player Portia Woodman, recently named Albertian of the Year.
Mr Drumm thanked Te Puna o Wairaka students and teachers for helping the school to do better at celebrating Maori culture. One of their initiatives – bilingual signs around MAGS – was about to be put in place.
Junior members of Te Puna performed a haka in tribute to the Year 13s, who performed their own thunderous haka towards the end of proceedings.
When it came to the awards, Sheye Semple won the Top Senior Academic Award, while Phoebe Sullivan was named All-Round Top Senior Student and won the “Manu Tute” Award For Services to Puna and the wider community.
Stella Rose Woodman won the Top Junior Academic Award, while the award for All-Round Top Junior Girl went to Breanna Waka and the All-Round Top Junior Boy was Te Waaka Popata-Henare.
Kaharau Mendes received the “He toka tū” Award For Contribution to Kapa Haka, and the award for Top Senior Māori Language Orator. Isaiah Nin was named Top Junior Māori Language Orator.
When it came to sports achievement, Addi Albert-Jones won the senior award and Lavina Elliott the junior award.
At this year’s dinner, Whaea Waimirirangi Paul and Matua Pete Walters decided to formalise the announcement of the kaitātaki wahine (female leader) and kaitātaki tāne (male leader) of the Kapa Haka for 2019.
Sheye Semple (female leader) and Kaharau Mendes (male leader) from this year handed over the ‘mauri’ in the form of a patu and taiaha to the two new leaders, Assina Te Paa-Kolio (female) and Kisepi Ma’afu Roberts (male).
Ms Paul said the Year 13s had been an at times challenging group but she had loved working with them and watching their progress. She welcomed them to come back and visit as they would always be part of the whanau.
In a beautiful musical interlude, Abbey-Jean Kaipara performed waiata with the backing of Andre Pickering on guitar.
In their farewell speeches, Sheye Semple and Kaharau Mendes paid tribute to their Year 13 classmates, saying they had all come a long way in their time at Te Puna o Wairaka.
Te Puna o Wairaka Prizegiving 2022
Te Puna o Wairaka was finally able to celebrate its top students and send its Year 13 Leavers off in style at its awards dinner on November 7 after last year’s event was held online due to Covid.
The awards dinner at Te Mahurehure Marae was MC’ed by Puna students Waimarie Tawera and Stuart Renata, and featured Albertian Lincoln Savage as guest speaker.
Mr Savage, who worked as a high school teacher for many years, was introduced by HOF Te Puna o Wairaka Waimirirangi Paul, who had been one of his students.
He spoke on the theme of the whakataukī ‘He manako te koura i kore ai’ (‘A crayfish won’t jump in your net, just because you wish it in there’). He said hard work, determination and dedication at MAGS had helped him to become a Deputy Head Prefect, an athletics champion, a swimming champion and captain of the 1st XV. He had also helped to set up kapa haka at MAGS by approaching the Headmaster at the time – Greg Taylor – about the need for such a group and then following through when he got permission.
He said that whakataukī had served him well throughout life, and it was one that Te Puna students could use as their mantra.
Deputy Head Boy Isaiah Nin and Michaela Minor spoke on behalf of the Year 13 Leavers and expressed their gratitude to the Puna whānau and to Whaea Miri and Matua Peter Walters for all their care and dedication.
A special moment on the night was the presentation of artworks to Whaea Miri and Matua Peter by the Year 13 Leavers. The prints were of works by Buck Loy Nin, the grandfather of Isaiah Nin. Matua Pete received ‘The Māori Totem’ and Whaea Miri received ‘The First Arrivals’. When it came to the awards, Aleisha Roulston won the Top Senior Academic Award, while Jackson Absolum-Leuluso’o was named All-Round Top Senior Student.
Isaiah Nin won the “Manu Tute” Award For Services to Puna and the wider community, while Bree Tipene received the “He toka tū” Award For Contribution to Kapa Haka.
Sasha Tobin was All-Round Top Junior Girl, and the All-Round Top Junior Boy was Jarom Rowell. The Top Junior Academic Award went to Kingston Ballantyne.
The award for Top Senior Māori Language Orator went to Hokioramai Dunn, and Awanui Hope was named Top Junior Māori Language Orator.
When it came to sports achievement, Gabreyl Tahitahi won the top junior award and Dani Ah Chee-Wilson the top senior award.
You can see more photos here
Te Puna o Wairaka Prizegiving 2021
Breanna Waka (left) was acknowledged as top all-round Māori student, while Charlotte Mann (right) was recognised for her service to our Māori community and, in particular, to Māori Performing Arts.
Sadly, there was no prizegiving dinner this year due to Covid-19 restrictions.
So, upon returning to school after lockdown, the tuākana of the school, the Year 13s, were given a happy send-off in the Caradus Quad, bringing to an end what was a difficult year with unity, joy, and celebration.
HOF Māori Waimirirangi Paul said, “We were also able to acknowledge those students who worked tirelessly throughout the year to uphold our reo, tikanga and ahurea.
“So, it is my pleasure to acknowledge Charlotte Mann; who was recognised for her service to our Māori community and in particular, to Māori Performing Arts; and Breanna Waka, who was acknowledged as our top all-round Māori student; along with four of our Year 12 students; Jackson Absolum-Leuluso’o, Lorielle Cowley, Isaiah Nin and Bree Tipene, who have been named prefects for 2022.
“We believe this is the first time that we’ve ever had four Puna students named prefect in the same year, so we are excited at what the new year has in store for us all and we will be there to tautoko these ākonga in their roles.
“Finally, some of our Puna Year 13s also received prestigious scholarships from universities such as The University of Waikato and The University of Otago, as well as the organisation PWC, which, again, is indicative of their commitment and hard work this year.”
You can see a list of all the prizewinners here
Te Puna o Wairaka Prizegiving Dinner 2020
Tayla Bamber and Niua Pomare-Khanna
Te Puna o Wairaka celebrated its top students and sent its Year 13 Leavers off into the world with an emotional farewell at the Celebration Dinner on Thursday, November 12 at Te Mahurehure Marae.
Guest speaker Dr Jennifer Martin encouraged the Leavers and Te Puna o Wairaka students to continue their te reo journey, saying it would open up some wonderful opportunities.
Dr Martin, who is a graduate of the kura at West Auckland’s Hoani Waititi Marae, went on to graduate from the University of Auckland and gain a PhD with her thesis written entirely in te reo Māori. She is now a Māori studies educator and runs a Māori language consultancy.
She urged the students to pursue their dreams, and not let any naysayers put them off achieving their goals.
As well as haka from the departing and remaining students, the event – MC’ed by students Breanna Waka and Isaiah Nin – featured a song by Albertian and Te Puna alumni Abbey-Jean Kaipara, who was backed by Andre Pickering on guitar.
During his speech, Headmaster Patrick Drumm called Te Puna HOD Waimirirangi Paul on to the stage to pay tribute to her work, which was recognised earlier in the week at Senior Prizegiving with her receiving a CP Liddell Teaching Scholarship.
When it came to the awards, Andre Pickering won the Top Senior Academic Award, was named All-Round Top Senior Student, and Top Sportsperson.
Tayla Bamber won the “Manu Tute” Award For Services to Puna and the wider community, while Niua Pomare-Khanna received the “He toka tū” Award For Contribution to Kapa Haka.
Kobe-Ray Cameron was All-Round Top Junior Girl, and the All-Round Top Junior Boy was Hokioramai Dunn. The Top Junior Academic Award went to Mihimere Hope.
The award for Top Senior Māori Language Orator went to Niua Pomare-Khanna, and Mihimere Hope was named Top Junior Māori Language Orator.
When it came to sports achievement, Waimarie Tawera won the top junior award.
In their farewell speeches, Niua Pomare-Khanna and Tayla Bamber, who both served as Deputy Head Prefects in 2020, paid tribute to Whaea Waimirirangi Paul and Matua Peter Walters for the vast amount of time they invested with their students whether it was in course work or in kapa haka. They both said that Te Puna o Wairaka and MAGS had given them great opportunities academically and culturally.
You can see more photos here
Te Puna o Wairaka Prizegiving Dinner 2019
Te Puna o Wairaka bid a fond farewell to its Year 13 Leavers and celebrated its top students at a special dinner on Monday, November 4 at Te Mahurehure Marae.
Kaitātaki tāne (male leader) and kaitātaki wahine (female leader) for the Kapa Haka group in 2020 are Niua Pomare-Khanna and Charlotte Mann.
There was also a formal hand-over of the kaitātaki wahine (female leader) and kaitātaki tāne (male leader) for the Kapa Haka group in 2020. The sounds of waiata and haka rang out as this year’s leaders Assina Te Paa-Kolio and Kisepi Ma’afu Roberts handed over the ‘mauri’ in the form of a patu and taiaha to the two new leaders: Charlotte Mann and Niua Pomare-Khanna.
Year 13 Leavers were also presented with pounamu but not before teachers Whaea Waimirirangi Paul and Matua Peter Walters had some fun at their expense, revealing the nicknames they had given the Leavers and the reasons for them.
Headmaster Patrick Drumm was the first speaker on the night – MC’ed by Year 12 students Niua Pomare-Khanna and Tayla Bamber – and he emphasised the importance of Te Puna in keeping te reo alive, empowering Maori students and maintaining diversity at MAGS.
Junior members of Te Puna performed a haka in tribute to the Year 13s, who performed their own thunderous haka towards the end of proceedings.
When it came to the awards, Abbey-Jean Kaipara won the Top Senior Academic Award and was named All-Round Top Senior Student.
Richard Mann won the “Manu Tute” Award For Services to Puna and the wider community, while Assina Te Paa-Kolio received the “He toka tū” Award For Contribution to Kapa Haka.
Bree Tipene was All-Round Top Junior Girl, and the All-Round Top Junior Boy was Isaiah Nin. The Top Junior Academic Award went to Nikora Morehu.
The award for Top Senior Māori Language Orator went to Niua Pomare-Khanna, and Te Waaka Popata-Henare was named Top Junior Māori Language Orator.
When it came to sports achievement, Princess Elliott won the senior award and Stella-Rose Woodman the junior award.
Te Puna o Wairaka Prizegiving Dinner 2018
The sounds of waiata and haka rang out at Te Mahurehure Marae as Te Puna o Wairaka celebrated its top students and farewelled its Year 13 leavers at a special dinner on Friday, November 9.
MC’ed by students Assina Te Paa-Kolio and Richard Mann, the event was opened with a karakia from Te Puna’s Matua Pete Walters.
Headmaster Patrick Drumm said Te Puna o Wairaka had a lot to celebrate with one of its first graduates, Black Fern rugby player Portia Woodman, recently named Albertian of the Year.
Mr Drumm thanked Te Puna o Wairaka students and teachers for helping the school to do better at celebrating Maori culture. One of their initiatives – bilingual signs around MAGS – was about to be put in place.
Junior members of Te Puna performed a haka in tribute to the Year 13s, who performed their own thunderous haka towards the end of proceedings.
When it came to the awards, Sheye Semple won the Top Senior Academic Award, while Phoebe Sullivan was named All-Round Top Senior Student and won the “Manu Tute” Award For Services to Puna and the wider community.
Stella Rose Woodman won the Top Junior Academic Award, while the award for All-Round Top Junior Girl went to Breanna Waka and the All-Round Top Junior Boy was Te Waaka Popata-Henare.
Kaharau Mendes received the “He toka tū” Award For Contribution to Kapa Haka, and the award for Top Senior Māori Language Orator. Isaiah Nin was named Top Junior Māori Language Orator.
When it came to sports achievement, Addi Albert-Jones won the senior award and Lavina Elliott the junior award.
At this year’s dinner, Whaea Waimirirangi Paul and Matua Pete Walters decided to formalise the announcement of the kaitātaki wahine (female leader) and kaitātaki tāne (male leader) of the Kapa Haka for 2019.
Sheye Semple (female leader) and Kaharau Mendes (male leader) from this year handed over the ‘mauri’ in the form of a patu and taiaha to the two new leaders, Assina Te Paa-Kolio (female) and Kisepi Ma’afu Roberts (male).
Ms Paul said the Year 13s had been an at times challenging group but she had loved working with them and watching their progress. She welcomed them to come back and visit as they would always be part of the whanau.
In a beautiful musical interlude, Abbey-Jean Kaipara performed waiata with the backing of Andre Pickering on guitar.
In their farewell speeches, Sheye Semple and Kaharau Mendes paid tribute to their Year 13 classmates, saying they had all come a long way in their time at Te Puna o Wairaka.
Te Puna o Wairaka Prizegiving 2022
Te Puna o Wairaka was finally able to celebrate its top students and send its Year 13 Leavers off in style at its awards dinner on November 7 after last year’s event was held online due to Covid.
The awards dinner at Te Mahurehure Marae was MC’ed by Puna students Waimarie Tawera and Stuart Renata, and featured Albertian Lincoln Savage as guest speaker.
Mr Savage, who worked as a high school teacher for many years, was introduced by HOF Te Puna o Wairaka Waimirirangi Paul, who had been one of his students.
He spoke on the theme of the whakataukī ‘He manako te koura i kore ai’ (‘A crayfish won’t jump in your net, just because you wish it in there’). He said hard work, determination and dedication at MAGS had helped him to become a Deputy Head Prefect, an athletics champion, a swimming champion and captain of the 1st XV. He had also helped to set up kapa haka at MAGS by approaching the Headmaster at the time – Greg Taylor – about the need for such a group and then following through when he got permission.
He said that whakataukī had served him well throughout life, and it was one that Te Puna students could use as their mantra.
Deputy Head Boy Isaiah Nin and Michaela Minor spoke on behalf of the Year 13 Leavers and expressed their gratitude to the Puna whānau and to Whaea Miri and Matua Peter Walters for all their care and dedication.
A special moment on the night was the presentation of artworks to Whaea Miri and Matua Peter by the Year 13 Leavers. The prints were of works by Buck Loy Nin, the grandfather of Isaiah Nin. Matua Pete received ‘The Māori Totem’ and Whaea Miri received ‘The First Arrivals’. When it came to the awards, Aleisha Roulston won the Top Senior Academic Award, while Jackson Absolum-Leuluso’o was named All-Round Top Senior Student.
Isaiah Nin won the “Manu Tute” Award For Services to Puna and the wider community, while Bree Tipene received the “He toka tū” Award For Contribution to Kapa Haka.
Sasha Tobin was All-Round Top Junior Girl, and the All-Round Top Junior Boy was Jarom Rowell. The Top Junior Academic Award went to Kingston Ballantyne.
The award for Top Senior Māori Language Orator went to Hokioramai Dunn, and Awanui Hope was named Top Junior Māori Language Orator.
When it came to sports achievement, Gabreyl Tahitahi won the top junior award and Dani Ah Chee-Wilson the top senior award.
You can see more photos here
Te Puna o Wairaka Prizegiving 2021
Breanna Waka (left) was acknowledged as top all-round Māori student, while Charlotte Mann (right) was recognised for her service to our Māori community and, in particular, to Māori Performing Arts.
Sadly, there was no prizegiving dinner this year due to Covid-19 restrictions.
So, upon returning to school after lockdown, the tuākana of the school, the Year 13s, were given a happy send-off in the Caradus Quad, bringing to an end what was a difficult year with unity, joy, and celebration.
HOF Māori Waimirirangi Paul said, “We were also able to acknowledge those students who worked tirelessly throughout the year to uphold our reo, tikanga and ahurea.
“So, it is my pleasure to acknowledge Charlotte Mann; who was recognised for her service to our Māori community and in particular, to Māori Performing Arts; and Breanna Waka, who was acknowledged as our top all-round Māori student; along with four of our Year 12 students; Jackson Absolum-Leuluso’o, Lorielle Cowley, Isaiah Nin and Bree Tipene, who have been named prefects for 2022.
“We believe this is the first time that we’ve ever had four Puna students named prefect in the same year, so we are excited at what the new year has in store for us all and we will be there to tautoko these ākonga in their roles.
“Finally, some of our Puna Year 13s also received prestigious scholarships from universities such as The University of Waikato and The University of Otago, as well as the organisation PWC, which, again, is indicative of their commitment and hard work this year.”
You can see a list of all the prizewinners here
Te Puna o Wairaka Prizegiving Dinner 2020
Tayla Bamber and Niua Pomare-Khanna
Te Puna o Wairaka celebrated its top students and sent its Year 13 Leavers off into the world with an emotional farewell at the Celebration Dinner on Thursday, November 12 at Te Mahurehure Marae.
Guest speaker Dr Jennifer Martin encouraged the Leavers and Te Puna o Wairaka students to continue their te reo journey, saying it would open up some wonderful opportunities.
Dr Martin, who is a graduate of the kura at West Auckland’s Hoani Waititi Marae, went on to graduate from the University of Auckland and gain a PhD with her thesis written entirely in te reo Māori. She is now a Māori studies educator and runs a Māori language consultancy.
She urged the students to pursue their dreams, and not let any naysayers put them off achieving their goals.
As well as haka from the departing and remaining students, the event – MC’ed by students Breanna Waka and Isaiah Nin – featured a song by Albertian and Te Puna alumni Abbey-Jean Kaipara, who was backed by Andre Pickering on guitar.
During his speech, Headmaster Patrick Drumm called Te Puna HOD Waimirirangi Paul on to the stage to pay tribute to her work, which was recognised earlier in the week at Senior Prizegiving with her receiving a CP Liddell Teaching Scholarship.
When it came to the awards, Andre Pickering won the Top Senior Academic Award, was named All-Round Top Senior Student, and Top Sportsperson.
Tayla Bamber won the “Manu Tute” Award For Services to Puna and the wider community, while Niua Pomare-Khanna received the “He toka tū” Award For Contribution to Kapa Haka.
Kobe-Ray Cameron was All-Round Top Junior Girl, and the All-Round Top Junior Boy was Hokioramai Dunn. The Top Junior Academic Award went to Mihimere Hope.
The award for Top Senior Māori Language Orator went to Niua Pomare-Khanna, and Mihimere Hope was named Top Junior Māori Language Orator.
When it came to sports achievement, Waimarie Tawera won the top junior award.
In their farewell speeches, Niua Pomare-Khanna and Tayla Bamber, who both served as Deputy Head Prefects in 2020, paid tribute to Whaea Waimirirangi Paul and Matua Peter Walters for the vast amount of time they invested with their students whether it was in course work or in kapa haka. They both said that Te Puna o Wairaka and MAGS had given them great opportunities academically and culturally.
You can see more photos here
Te Puna o Wairaka Prizegiving Dinner 2019
Te Puna o Wairaka bid a fond farewell to its Year 13 Leavers and celebrated its top students at a special dinner on Monday, November 4 at Te Mahurehure Marae.
Kaitātaki tāne (male leader) and kaitātaki wahine (female leader) for the Kapa Haka group in 2020 are Niua Pomare-Khanna and Charlotte Mann.
There was also a formal hand-over of the kaitātaki wahine (female leader) and kaitātaki tāne (male leader) for the Kapa Haka group in 2020. The sounds of waiata and haka rang out as this year’s leaders Assina Te Paa-Kolio and Kisepi Ma’afu Roberts handed over the ‘mauri’ in the form of a patu and taiaha to the two new leaders: Charlotte Mann and Niua Pomare-Khanna.
Year 13 Leavers were also presented with pounamu but not before teachers Whaea Waimirirangi Paul and Matua Peter Walters had some fun at their expense, revealing the nicknames they had given the Leavers and the reasons for them.
Headmaster Patrick Drumm was the first speaker on the night – MC’ed by Year 12 students Niua Pomare-Khanna and Tayla Bamber – and he emphasised the importance of Te Puna in keeping te reo alive, empowering Maori students and maintaining diversity at MAGS.
Junior members of Te Puna performed a haka in tribute to the Year 13s, who performed their own thunderous haka towards the end of proceedings.
When it came to the awards, Abbey-Jean Kaipara won the Top Senior Academic Award and was named All-Round Top Senior Student.
Richard Mann won the “Manu Tute” Award For Services to Puna and the wider community, while Assina Te Paa-Kolio received the “He toka tū” Award For Contribution to Kapa Haka.
Bree Tipene was All-Round Top Junior Girl, and the All-Round Top Junior Boy was Isaiah Nin. The Top Junior Academic Award went to Nikora Morehu.
The award for Top Senior Māori Language Orator went to Niua Pomare-Khanna, and Te Waaka Popata-Henare was named Top Junior Māori Language Orator.
When it came to sports achievement, Princess Elliott won the senior award and Stella-Rose Woodman the junior award.
Te Puna o Wairaka Prizegiving Dinner 2018
The sounds of waiata and haka rang out at Te Mahurehure Marae as Te Puna o Wairaka celebrated its top students and farewelled its Year 13 leavers at a special dinner on Friday, November 9.
MC’ed by students Assina Te Paa-Kolio and Richard Mann, the event was opened with a karakia from Te Puna’s Matua Pete Walters.
Headmaster Patrick Drumm said Te Puna o Wairaka had a lot to celebrate with one of its first graduates, Black Fern rugby player Portia Woodman, recently named Albertian of the Year.
Mr Drumm thanked Te Puna o Wairaka students and teachers for helping the school to do better at celebrating Maori culture. One of their initiatives – bilingual signs around MAGS – was about to be put in place.
Junior members of Te Puna performed a haka in tribute to the Year 13s, who performed their own thunderous haka towards the end of proceedings.
When it came to the awards, Sheye Semple won the Top Senior Academic Award, while Phoebe Sullivan was named All-Round Top Senior Student and won the “Manu Tute” Award For Services to Puna and the wider community.
Stella Rose Woodman won the Top Junior Academic Award, while the award for All-Round Top Junior Girl went to Breanna Waka and the All-Round Top Junior Boy was Te Waaka Popata-Henare.
Kaharau Mendes received the “He toka tū” Award For Contribution to Kapa Haka, and the award for Top Senior Māori Language Orator. Isaiah Nin was named Top Junior Māori Language Orator.
When it came to sports achievement, Addi Albert-Jones won the senior award and Lavina Elliott the junior award.
At this year’s dinner, Whaea Waimirirangi Paul and Matua Pete Walters decided to formalise the announcement of the kaitātaki wahine (female leader) and kaitātaki tāne (male leader) of the Kapa Haka for 2019.
Sheye Semple (female leader) and Kaharau Mendes (male leader) from this year handed over the ‘mauri’ in the form of a patu and taiaha to the two new leaders, Assina Te Paa-Kolio (female) and Kisepi Ma’afu Roberts (male).
Ms Paul said the Year 13s had been an at times challenging group but she had loved working with them and watching their progress. She welcomed them to come back and visit as they would always be part of the whanau.
In a beautiful musical interlude, Abbey-Jean Kaipara performed waiata with the backing of Andre Pickering on guitar.
In their farewell speeches, Sheye Semple and Kaharau Mendes paid tribute to their Year 13 classmates, saying they had all come a long way in their time at Te Puna o Wairaka.