A moving pōwhiri to welcome new Gisborne Girls' High School principal Bindy Hannah was led by Morehu Nikora, accompanied by Ngā Manu Tangi Ata students onstage at the school grounds on Tuesday. Photo / Tamsin Wilson
A moving pōwhiri to welcome new Gisborne Girls' High School principal Bindy Hannah was led by Morehu Nikora, accompanied by Ngā Manu Tangi Ata students onstage at the school grounds on Tuesday. Photo / Tamsin Wilson
It was a pōwhiri with a difference for new Gisborne Girls’ High School principal Bindy Hannah this week.
The traditional wero or challenge was led by teachers and students, setting the tone for what was later described as “a momentous occasion”.
Historically, the wero is a crucial opening ritual designedto determine the intentions of visitors – whether they come in peace or as enemies.
It is traditionally performed by male warriors (wāhi tapu) from the host side (tangata whenua) on the marae ātea (courtyard).
The wero at Gisborne Girls’ High took place at the marae on the school grounds on Tuesday at midday.
The historical significance of the wero stems from a practical security function and a deep spiritual purpose, establishing the safety, respect and mutual understanding necessary for the gathering to proceed.
Morehu Nikora, head of faculty te tari Māori, was the orator for the pae whenua (boundary) on behalf of the school.
“It was hugely significant, as one would expect when signalling a change of leadership, especially principalship,” he said.
“We wanted to impress this upon our students through the mana-enhancing practice of pōwhiri. It was indeed a momentous occasion for our staff, students, community and new principal, Belinda (Bindy) Hannah.”
Ngā Manu Tangi Ata (GGHS bilingual unit) students and two of their kaiako kōkā (teachers), Tira Nikora and Jess Williams, delivered the matataki (formal challenge) led by Ava Paenga to welcome Hannah, her whānau and other dignitaries.
GGHS teacher Matua Paraone Tai-Tin taught students the kāhui toa (performance), which many guests described as beautiful.
The matataki was followed by karanga (formal welcome) from Trish Tangaroa and Hana Crawford-Bowden, and a haka pōwhiri was performed by the Ngā Manu Tangi Ata students.
New principal of Gisborne Girls' High School Bindy Hannah hugs Jess Williams. Photo / Tamsin Wilson
Orator for the manuhiri (visitors/guests) was Raniera Hauraki Watene.
The rōpū (group) standing on the mahau (stage) were students from Years 10-13, who are part of the school’s Ngā Manu Tangi Ata bilingual programme.
Former principal Jan Kumar presented the Girls’ High tumuaki korowai, a black and red feathered cloak, to Hannah at the ceremony.
Karakia, waiata and karanga were delivered by Ngā Manu Tangi Ata.
Hannah’s te reo tutor at EIT, Raniera Samuels, spoke on behalf of her whānau and friends. Hannah studied the language last year in preparation for her promotion.
After the pōwhiri, Hannah addressed the school, sharing her aspirations as the new principal.
This was followed by a song performed by the whole school.
Hannah said the formal welcome she received was special and it was “a joy to serve this community”.
Tira Nikora (left), Jess Williams (right), Rhylee Keepa, Niia Falwasser, Ruby Burns and at the back Heilee Falwasser delivered a matataki (formal challenge) at the pōwhiri at Gisborne Girls' High School on Tuesday. Photo / Tamsin Wilson
Former principal Jan Kumar presents Bindy Hannah with the school's korawai at the pōwhiri on Tuesday. Photo / Tamsin Wilson
James McGuire (left), Michelle Hall, Vicki Thorpe, Bindy Hannah, GBHS principal Tom Cairns, Scott Hannah, Nick Jones and John Rae. Photo / Tamsin Wilson
Gisborne Girls' High head of faculty te tari Māori Morehu Nikora led the pōwhiri on Tuesday. Photo / Tamsin Wilson
