WHANAU LEADER'S REPORT 2011

Tenei au, ko te Hokai nuku ko te Hokai rangi, ko te Hokai nui a toku tipuna I a tane. I pikitia ai ki te rangi tuhaha. Ki te tiki i nga kete o te wananga. Ko te kete tua uri, ko te kete tua tea, ko te kete aronui i tiritiri a i poupoutia, ki runga a Papatuanuku, ka puta ki te whai ao ki te ao marama.

At the end of the 2010 prizegiving, I was extremely fortunate to be named as the 2011 Edmund Rice Whanau Leader (Maori Leader). I was extremely excited but also a bit apprehensive for coming into 2011 with these new responsibilities, and knowing leadership involves a good sense of morals and a strong heart for young ones to follow. My true and main goal for this year was to develop and unlock the potential these young Maori have here at St Thomas', not only through sporting but especially academically.

But before I continue  I must apologize to the many young Maori students, for there was many things I had promised at the beginning of the year, but due to the implications of the earthquake, it had restricted and neglected the many ideas I had placed forward. So for that I apologize.

However all was not lost, as throughout the year Maori tutor groups had taken place for the first two periods every Friday morning. This system had an aim to primarily enhance the basic reading and literacy needs of each young Maori student within STC. This system was officially established by Mr Kidd, and with help from senior students (including myself) and other teachers (Mr Barclay and Mr Campbell), it became successful. Not only was this programme the beginning and start of our Maori students' futures, but it began a bond between junior and senior and portrayed the role of an older brother. I feel this system was a major success. Thank you sincerely Mr Kidd.

Throughout the year, there were many fun experiences that the Maori group had encountered within 2011. One significant memory was the Nga Manu korero Nationals trip, where our very own Delane Luke did us proud and won the Nga Manu Korero Ki Waitaha and was much worthy participant at this particular event (Nationals). The experience was amazing. The haka and korero I te reo Maori was just a whole new level from what the boys had witnessed down in Waitaha. Our haka we did in tautoko for Delane was, as I could say 'off the chain'. Not only did the boys experience various  Hakas of their life time, but thoroughly enjoyed their stay with Te Whanau Tahi and Middleton Grange at the Marae we stayed in Tauranga. This trip was an experience like no other, and "big ups" to Delane for taking us on this journey.

Although there were many promises broken this year, there was one I was fortunate to fulfil and offer to the students. This being our joint Kapa Haka ropu, a combination of St Thomas' and Papanui high school. This year Kapa Haka was respectively some what 'out of the blue', but an enjoyable experience. The strong voices of Papanui and the raging Haka styles of STC, make an ultimate ropu. This group trained for countless hours and were made to perfection by our very own Matua Wira and Papanui's Matua Junior. We partook in various performances, such as at Papanui's prizegiving dinner, St Thomas' Prizegiving and Whakapumau's whanau day. The boys made new friends, and special bonds between the rangatahi of Papanui. I am extremely grateful to Matua Wira and Matua Junior for making this happen and making the start of something new between the two schools.

By Daniel 'The Mantis' Kahura.