On Friday 30 January, Waitākere College came together to host a special pōwhiri to welcome our new students and their whānau into the school community. The pōwhiri marked the beginning of an exciting journey for all Year 9 students starting high school, as well as students from Years 10 - 13 who are new to Waitākere College, including our international students from Japan and Germany.

The hall was filled with energy as more than 400 new students arrived, accompanied by their families. 

Through the pōwhiri, led by Kaumatua Warahi Paki and Kuia, Linda Paki, families were introduced to what it means to be part of Waitākere College. Our three pillars and school values were shared, setting the foundation for the years ahead and reinforcing our commitment to learning, caring, and respect. The ceremony reflected the importance of community and the strong relationships we value within our school.

Following the pōwhiri, everyone gathered to share refreshments. This provided an opportunity for families, students, and staff to connect, talk, and celebrate the start of a new chapter. As the morning came to a close, parents and caregivers farewelled their children, marking the beginning of their high school journey at Waitākere College.

We are proud to welcome our newest students and their whānau and look forward to supporting them as they grow, learn, and thrive as part of our Waitākere College community.

We look forward to our next gathering, where parents and caregivers can meet the Year 9 Teachers and Deans at the Meet and Greet BBQ for Year 9s.