Orewa College formally welcomed around 460 new students and 24 staff members, including 85 international students, through a pōwhiri held on campus this week.

Pōwhiri marks the beginning of the year for students, staff, and whānau joining the kura

Orewa College formally welcomed approximately 460 new students and 24 new staff members this week through a pōwhiri held on campus, marking the beginning of their journey within the college community.

The group included 85 international students, alongside new domestic students and staff, who walked onto school grounds in a ceremony guided by tikanga and our Manaaki values. Students, staff and whānau gathered to acknowledge the importance of belonging and shared responsibility as the new year begins.

Student leaders played a key role throughout the pōwhiri, supporting new students as they were welcomed and helping guide the process alongside staff and kaumātua. Their involvement helped create a calm, respectful environment that reflected the care taken to uphold tikanga throughout the morning.

The presence of whānau added depth to the occasion, reinforcing the important role families play in supporting young people as they settle into school life. For many new students and staff, the pōwhiri provided an opportunity to feel seen, acknowledged, and connected from their very first days at Orewa College.

Holding the pōwhiri on campus allowed new members of the community to be welcomed in a way that reflected the college’s commitment to cultural respect and shared identity. It also offered returning students and staff the chance to reaffirm the values that underpin daily life at the kura.

Orewa College extends its thanks to everyone who contributed to the pōwhiri, including student leaders, staff, kaumātua, and whānau, whose collective effort helped ensure a warm and affirming welcome for all those joining the community this year.

Video Credit: Zac Thorne