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.
