Today, a small group of Te Rakau Whakapapa students went to the Nelson City Council Chambers to be part of the Nelson/ Whakatū Citizenship Ceremony. It was a really special time for several reasons:
1. Matua Rangi Kohe was there as kaumatua, and he recognised us! He was our kaikōreo at our mihi whakatau in term 1. He remembered my name and our school, gave me a hongi, and mentioned Birchwood School in his mihimihi.
2. They gave us morning tea. Mason tried to eat all of the scones (5).
3. We got to wear the Mayoral Chains.
4. Lots of people told us were were awesome. Several of the City Council staff told me that our group was one of the best they'd seen.
5. One of the tauiwi (an Englishman) spoke to the audience. He told us that his matua and whaea had traveled Aotearoa from England 16 years ago, and bought him back an All Blacks shirt. He had the shirt with him, and told us all about how much he loves New Zealand and how pleased he is to be a citizen. Honestly, hearing this fella made my day. It's so easy to forget what we have or take it for granted. We live in an amazing place and listening to manuhiri can remind us how darned lucky and privileged we are.
6. We don't have to agree on policies and politics, but our Mayor Rachel Reese is lovely. She made us feel welcome, and let our tamariki wear the mayoral chains because of a rule that says people under 18 are allowed to wear them. I'm sure she made that up, but how nice of her! She even took photos with some of our group.
As always, our Birchwood students carried themselves with mana. Their behaviour and waiata were exemplary. I really am privileged to be part of their learning and lives.
Thank you so much to the parents who were able to transport us: Shane, Gina, Lauren, Jessica. Without your support we cannot do the things we do. Ka mau te wehi parents, you are amazing.
Also, an acknowledgement for the students who put their hands up to participate but weren't selected to be part of today's group, or those who opted to represent Birchwood School at the hockey tournament (which was postponed :/): Lydia, Mia, Chali, Charlie and Luca.
And here I formally thank those who represented our kura at today's citizenship ceremony: Abby, Amelia, Ava, Evelyn, Gabby, Hannah, Georgia, Maya, Saskia, Cade, Mason, Leon and Joel.
Performers' parents: copies of photos are in a folder in your child's google-doc account.
Ngā mihi nui,
One very proud Damian Hardman
damian.hardman@birchwood.school.nz
