WelCom April 2022
Hato Pāora College, Fielding, began its new term and 2022 with a Miha on Sunday 13 February.
Principal Nathan Matthews welcomed students and staff and, in particular, the 33 new students to the college. The college roll is 115.
Seven new prefects were honoured and given badges. A group of parents and relatives of the new prefects were also present.
The prefects are: Emery McGill, Head Boy; Waaka Poutu, Deputy Head Boy; Ihaka Komene; Rawiri Stretch-Ioane; Autahi Nikau-Tootell; Indiana Ratana and Jackson Warbrick.
According to Hato Pāora tradition the prefects were rousingly acknowledged and challenged by a students’ haka.
Pā Piripi Cody sm was the Miha celebrant. This year, Pā Mark Walls sm, who often celebrates and Pā Rawiri Gledhill sm – who is recovering from a stroke – as well as local priests, were unable to attend.
The day was the anniversary of Pā Noel Delaney sm, a former Rector. So it was appropriate that a set of words on screen was ‘E Tama’ – Hey Boy’. This was written by Fr Delaney to encourage the pupils to take their rightful stand with mana. Whaia te Tika – follow the right way, which is Hato Pāora College motto.