Welcome to 2024

Ngā mihi o te tau hou! This morning Marsden welcomed new students, their whānau, and new staff with a stirring pōwhiri. It was wonderful to gather as one Marsden family, full of excitement and anticipation for the new school year.

Ngā mihi to Arabella Allwood in Year 12 who called in our newcomers as kaikaranga, Māori & Pasifika Mentor Sarah Molisa as kaikaranga for manuhiri, Derek Kawiti who was kaikōrero on behalf of tangata whenua, and to Nicolas Williams for replying on behalf of manuhiri. 

As the auditorium filled to capacity, our 2024 Head and Deputy Head Girls Emily Allen and Cate Hughson led the school with a strong haka pōwhiri, bringing meaning and intention to our gathering.

A very special nau mai, haere mai to new staff members; Sandra Glanville, teacher of History and Social Studies, Deborah van Zyl, teacher of Mathematics and PE, Alysha Dougherty, teacher of Digital Technology, Teacher Aide Rebecca Kelynack, and Ros Ross who joins our marketing team as Digital Content Coordinator. It's great to have you as part of the team.

We were delighted to appoint our first Māori/Pasifika student leader at today's ceremony. This new role is the legacy of now-graduated student Raiha Kawiti, who also joined us today. We thank Raiha for her leadership, determination, advocacy of equal status, and for the spirit she exhibited in the establishment of this leadership position. Congratulations to Telesia Tanoa'i in Year 12 who has been appointed as Marsden's inaugural Maori/Pasifika student leader, and to Arabella Allwood and Anika Humphries as deputies. We know you will step into your roles with mana and integrity.

Raiha placing a korowai made by her nana upon the shoulders of Telesia Tanoa'i, Marsden's inaugural Māori/Pasifika Leader

Raiha Kawiti with Māori/Pasifika Leader Telesia Tanoa'i and Principal Paula Wells