Lynmore School takes part in flag ceremony (+ video)

Although nervous before performing in front of about 350 international visitors, pupils received an enthusiastic round of applause after it was done.

Lynmore School pupils this week welcomed foreign delegates from 23 countries to Rotorua with a pohiri, something most of the delegates would not have experienced.

The international visitors are in Rotorua for the Asian Pacific Quality Organisation Conference, which finishes today. Lynmore School teacher Whaea Arihi Harvey said the children carried the 18 flags on stage then sang waiata Tutira Mai Nga Iwi.

She said the waiata was about uniting cultures.

"We are a multicultural city and we thought it would be a great experience for the children to take part in, and they are very excited."

She said eight boys and eight girls took part, with many cultures represented, including Chilean, Sri Lankan, Pakistani, Chinese, Kenyan and Japanese.

Pupil Amaro Gonzalez, 8, said he was nervous about being a part of the ceremony. He carried the flag of Chile.

Ryan Lu, 10, who was carrying China's flag, said he was nervous and excited because he had never done anything like this before.