We had a fabulous day – the pōwhiri included a speech from the Governor General Dame Patsy Reedy, presented by Lieutenant-commander Ian Marshall, the RNZN resident Naval Officer; Minister Hon Te Ururoa Flavell made light of the situation when the bag of koha broke and coins fell out over the ground much to everyone’s humour; He Waka Kōtuia led the waiata and later gave a very polished performance for everyone’s enjoyment. [Read more…]

After much practice and anticipation, one of the most southern groups to qualify for the competition — He Waka Kōtuia, from Kings and Queens High School, Dunedin departed to participate in the National Secondary Schools Ngā Kapa Haka Kura Tuarua 2016. Good luck to all our Kāi Tahu rakatahi who are performing in this event. [Read more…]

Delegates from the city of Atsugi in Japan spent four days in Dunedin to establish and enhance relations with Dunedin. Their visit involved meetings with Dunedin City Council officials and the Deputy Rector of King’s High School, Darryl Paterson along with the opportunity to watch the Highlanders and Chiefs match played at Forsyth Stadium. The manuhiri also spent time at Ōtākou Marae. Atsugi City has a population of 225,000 and is situated southwest of Tokyo — an hour by train. The city has been chosen as one of the host cities for the 2019 Rugby World Cup and the 2020 Olympic Games. [Read more…]