Headmaster Mr Patrick Drumm with the prizewinners, back row from left, Felila Matafeo, Uenuku Malesala, Kahurangi Morehu; front row: Niua Pomare-Khanna, Andre Pickering, Waimarie Hunia and Tayla Bamber. Absent is Imogen Edmonds-Lagahetau.
Whanau, teachers and students came together for the Te Puna o Wairaka Dinner and Prizegiving on Friday, 10 November, at Te Mahurehure Marae in Point Chevalier.
This year’s guest speaker was Mr Te Arahi Maipi (pictured front row, far right, with the Year 13 Leavers), whose son Tuteauru is an Albertian and former Puna student. Mr Maipi is a broadcaster fluent in te reo Maori who has worked for Maori Television, Sky Sport and radio. He is an ambassador for the Halberg Disability Sport Foundation and a member of the senior kapa haka group Nga Tumanako. In his speech, Mr Maipi urged the students to think about what they loved to do, and what they were good at, and try to build a career that combined the two.
Headmaster Mr Patrick Drumm commended the Head of Te Puna o Wairaka, Ms Waimirirangi Paul, and teacher Mr Peter Walters, on building a culture where Senior students set an example for younger ones. “Our school has its biggest ever Year 9 group starting in 2018, and that’s partly a reflection on our whanau taking the good news story of MAGS out to the community.”
Ms Paul farewelled the Year 13 Leavers, saying the group started at MAGS the same year she joined as a teacher, so would always hold a special place in her memory.
Performances were given by the Kapa Haka group and singer Assina Te Paa-Kolio. Uenuku Malesala and Waimarie Hunia spoke on behalf of the Leavers, thanking the school’s staff, their families, and urging younger students to make the most of the opportunities MAGS offered them
