Tena koutou Tena koutou katoa

On Wednesday, 31 January we welcomed all students and staff that are new to Rutherford College at a powhiri within our school hall. We were blessed to have two of our local kaumatua, Papa Fred Holloway and Reverend Tahu Williams, attend this ceremony. Both of our kamatua talked about the importance of education and the wonderful opportunities that exist at Rutherford College for our rangatahi.

At the conclusion of the address by our speakers Te Kotuku Kapa Haka did a tautoko to acknowledge the speakers.

Tena koutou Tena koutou katoa
Nga mihi nui  (Greetings to all) ki a katou katoa
Ki te atua Tena koe (god)
Ki a papa tuanuku tena koe (to mother earth)
Ki te kura nei tena koe (to the school)
Ki te marae nei tena koe (marae)
Ki te hunga mate (people who have passed)
Ki te hunga ora Tena koutou katoa (people who are here)
E nga rangatira. (leaders) E nga kaiako, (teachers) e nga ahkonga (learners) o te Kura o te kotuku
Nau mai haere mai

Ko Waitakere te maunga
Ko Mangawhai te moana
Ko ngati pakeha nga iwi
Ko Moore te hapu
Ko Tom toku papa
Ko Joyce toku mama
Ka marena ki Jeanette
Ka whanau mai Rachel, meh Adam
Ko Kotuke te marae
Ko au te Tumuaki o Te Kotuku ara Rutherford College
Ko Gary Moore ahau