Taonga (treasure)

This is a part of a taonga that was presented to me for safe keeping today.

Back in February I was appointed as Principal for Opihi College in Temuka. Effective from 2nd May (in a month).

Today I travelled down to Temuka for a powhiri (welcome ceremony), welcoming me as incoming Principal. It was a moving ceremony that made me feel very well received.

One of our Murchison senior students and half a dozen of my Murchison staff also travelled down as support for me. I greatly appreciated their offers to attend, they did me great honour in their involvement in the day. Thank you all. It meant a lot to have you there with me.

Our student was an absolute star and did Murchison proud with his demeanour and participation.

As I was fairly central to the show today, I couldn't take photos - though I'd have loved to freeze frame some of the whole school haka they performed in greeting. Instead I've captured an image of a slice of Opihi College's taonga that was presented to me for safe keeping. This was gifted to Opihi College by the local iwi, and is mine to protect while I lead the school.

After the Murchison contingent left I stayed on to meet staff and students and to begin part of the process of shifting leadership to me.

An emotionally exhausting day, but a very inspiring one.