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Powhiri

The powhiri at the start of the year to officially welcome manuhiri (new Year 9 students, new International Students and new staff) to Te Puke High School is a very important event in the school calendar.  This year was no exception.

The official ceremony started with the manuhiri being called onto the school marae.  Once everyone was seated, the school kaumatua, Reverend Rereamanu (Manu) Wihapi, spoke on behalf of the tangata whenua (resident staff and Year 13) .  This was followed by a reply from Mr Niko Kapene on behalf of the manuhiri.  The Principal, Mr Alan Liddle, concluded the speeches by welcome all those present on this special day, and in particular new Year 9 students, new International Students and new staff.  The formal part of the powhiri was concluded with hongi between representative of the two groups to enable manuhiri become tangata whenua.

After the ceremony, everyone was invited for refreshments.