Pōwhiri to welcome new MHC staff, students & Whānau
Mount Hutt College welcomed 126 new students and two new teaching staff with a pōwhiri on
Monday 2 February. This included 75 new Year 7 students beginning their learning journey at MHC.
Pōwhiri is a traditional Māori welcome ceremony. In the context of schools, it's often used to mark
the start of the school year as a way to formally welcomes students, staff, and visitors to the school
community; recognise the history and connection to the land where the school is situated; and to
help to strengthen our understanding and appreciation of Māori culture and traditions. This
traditional ceremony serves as a bridge, removing the tapu (sacredness/restriction) of the visitors
and uniting them with the tangata whenua (the local people of the school) as one collective group.
Principal, Jack Saxon, said it was established practice for schools around New Zealand to begin
their year with a pōwhiri; saying it creates a sense of unity (kotahitanga) and belonging for the
entire school community. “As a medium sized secondary school with just over 580 students
ensuring that our learners and parents feel a sense of belonging, and are welcomed into our
extended family, are both critical to us. A pōwhiri provides us an opportunity to achieve this.”
Senior Student Leader, Tilly Johnson, gave a motivating speech to the new students. She welcomed
everyone to a new academic year filled with opportunities, challenges, and wonderful
experiences. “This year is not just about academics; it’s about discovering who you are and what
you can achieve. Every challenge you face is an opportunity for growth, and I have no doubt that
each of you has the potential to excel.”
Among the new arrivals are 30 international students, including individuals from Japan, Korea,
Brazil, Thailand and Switzerland. English Language Teacher, Kirsty Saxon, said, “By bringing diverse
perspectives into our classes, these students challenge us to think outside our local bubble and
foster a deeper level of cultural empathy. Whether it’s through language, food, or different
traditions, our entire school whānau experience first-hand exposure to the world beyond our little
town.”
Mr Saxon shared highlights of the 2026 MHC year will include the opening of the long awaited
Ōpuke Innovation Hub for agriculture and trades, a Year 9 & 10 trip to Japan, a month long senior
trip to South East Asia, continued academic success with above national averages in NCEA, and the
continuing the success of learning in our Manaaki Stars growth profile with our students.
