Dan Te Rupe blew the call on the putarara or conch-shell and Ngawaiata was our whaikaranga. A small group of KEDC staff and students who had also not yet been called provided whanau support as manuhiri with Mojo
Our Marae was full to bursting with people keen to both welcome and meet Mojo Mathers for the first time. So many people had assembled that we had to project the powhiri into the wharenui’s office area.
Michael’s whaikorero introduced Mojo to our Marae and frequent use of her sign name ensured the students were clear about the day’s special guest!
Tom Purvis our Head of School, accepted the greeting on behalf of Mojo.
Mojo and her new whanau added their hands and voices to his waiata.
Te Aroha, where there
is love
Te Whakapono,where there is truth
Me te Rangimarie, there will be peace
Tatou Tatou e, for
everyone
Michael always respects the mana of our guests. He will even find a way to allow women to speak during the powhiri when they are the high ranking manuhiri. Then it was Mojo’s turn to speak.
Her speech was colourful – her story is rich in its history,
diversity and positive response to the challenges she faces.
At the same time Mojo’s key messages were very much black and white!
Attitudes have been wrong in the past!
We need to find ways to meet each other for open and honest discussions about a future…
So that Deaf students can aim high! Deaf students need to be proud of their identity! Let nothing stand in your way, as you make a positive contribution to the development of our nation!
Mojo was determined to that her message was about Success for All - Every Child! She proved this by making time to hongi with for EVERY student who was present.
Then it was time for that part of our kawa which is uniquely Ruamoko. After the hongi… but before the kai… lots of photo opportunities with newest member of whanau Turi!
Our current and future leaders always get their time in front of the flashes of our KDEC paparazzi
We noticed this time that the paparazzi are becoming
increasingly high tech!! Our Board’s
investment in information technology clearly being well used.
Papatoetoe High School pupils were particularly pleased to
meet Mojo. They have been using reports
of her experience in Parliament to complete ESOL Unit standards in shaping and
examining a Point of View.
The final part of any powhiri is thanking our kaiawhina and
her team for preparing our food.
It was our pleasure to meet Mojo Mathers. We are convinced that she is a person who will continue to shape the future of New Zealand with her energy, determination and willingness to share her story.
