Mihi whakatau 

At the start of each term, the school holds a mihi whakatau, which is a traditional Māori welcome.

This ceremony is our way of welcoming new students and staff, along with their families, into the Mānuka School community.

You are very welcome to bring extended family plus anyone who is important to your child as they begin their learning journey at M~nuka School.

You will receive an invitation to the Mihi whakatau nearest to your child's start date.  

What to Expect

The manuhiri (visitors) will gather together in the shade area by the hall then someone will lead you.

The tangata whenua (hosts) will be in the hall. They will call the  manuhiri (visitors) into the hall  with a Haka powhiri (welcome haka) to welcome you.

A mihi (welcome speech) will be made by a representative of the school.  Then the children and staff will sing a waiata (song) to support the speaker's message.  

The manuhiri (visitors) will sing a waiata (song) which will be supported by us is needed.

The hosts and new families involved will hongi or harirū  (a traditional Maori greeting in which people press their noses together or a handshake).

Manuka School will offer a simple morning tea or kai (food) for everyone to share.  This concludes the mihi whakatau and signifies the coming together of the visitors and the Manuka community.