Official Opening – New Okohanga Classrooms
This project is of great significance to Ōtūmoetai College, as it reflects our commitment to providing spaces where our Māori students feel a strong sense of belonging, connection, and pride in their identity. The new classrooms offer an environment that enhances culturally responsive teaching and learning, creating opportunities for students to engage with Te Ao Māori in meaningful and authentic ways.
The ability to have high-quality, modern learning spaces delivered efficiently with minimal disruption to the school was amazing. These buildings provide flexibility in design and functionality, allowing us to create an environment that is both purpose-built for Māori education and adaptable to future needs. The speed of installation and the quality of the finished spaces have exceeded our expectations, ensuring that our students and staff can enjoy the benefits of these new facilities without lengthy delays.
The opening event (held on Wednesday 19 February) was a truly special occasion, bringing together whānau, staff, and the wider community to celebrate this step forward. The presence of those who attended, the kōrero shared, and the support received reaffirmed the importance of spaces that honour and uphold Māori education.
Dancer Wins International Title
Congratulations to Year 9 student Aaliyah Hunt won an International Dance Competition in Australia recently.
New Zealand Surf Life Saving – Oceans Competition
Heidi Young, Georgia Duske, Jaime Rivers and Daisy Ruthe competed in the New Zealand Surf Life Saving – Oceans Competition from Thursday 20th through to Sunday the 23rd February at Mount Maunganui.
There were over 700 hundred athletes competing. Heidi, Georgia and Jaime competed in the girls Under 14 age group made of 115 athletes across New Zealand in both individual events and team events. The girls had some remarkable results with national champions in the mix.
Heidi won gold in the tube rescue and silver in the board relay. Georgia won gold in the run swim run, silver in the board rescue and bronze in the tube rescue. Daisy ran in the 2km beach relay which took out bronze against 114 teams.
