Events show strong community support

Tena koutou katoa.

Two occasions over the last two weeks have illustrated how important a supportive wider community is to the success of events a school hosts.

The weekend before last saw Manawatu¯ College host close to 40 young people and adults from Narita City, Japan for the 24th time. All our visitors are billeted by families in Foxton and the wider community. Many families, some with no other connection with the college, host our visitors each year due largely to the very positive experience of billeting those with a very different culture. With modern technology so readily available now, speaking translator programmes greatly reduce language barriers.

In four weeks time 29 Manawatu¯ College students, staff members and parents will be leaving for a 12 day return visit to Narita.

Two days ago Manawatu¯ College also hosted the Kere Kere Kapa Haka Festival, with kapa haka groups as young as Foxton Kindergarten and Te Pa Harakere, right up to the college showcasing their abilities and passion. It was wonderful to see and hear the hall full of supporters getting behind all the performers.

Special mention needs to be made of college teachers Lisa Frith and Glenn Mitchell for the superb organisation of the day.

Nga Mihi Bruce McIntyre

LVn310818HeadsUp4 The Manawatu¯ College Hall was packed on Wednesday morning for the powhiri welcoming our Kere Kere primary schools and their wha¯ nau to the college. Danien Bryant, one of our Year 12 Kaitiaki, is standing (to the left of the stage steps) and welcoming our visitors in Ma¯ ori. Mayor Michael Feyen and councillor Ross Campbell were sitting on the pae with Danien.

LVN310818HeadsUp2 Manawatu¯ College Kapa Haka was the last to perform at Wednesday’s festival.

LVN310818HeadsUp Foxton Beach Senior Kapa Haka in full flight at Wednesday’s Kere Kere Kapa Haka Festival.