Celebration time: From left, Marama Burgess (Te Ātiawa)<i>,</i> former Queen Charlotte College Principal Betty Whyte and new Principal Brenden Carroll with a mauri stone carved by kaiwhakairo Kahu Paki Paki. Photo: Paula Hulburt
The air was still and stars the only light as people gathered to mark the official opening of the College’s new administration and Science/Tech Buildings.
Led by Te Ātiawa o Te Waka-a-Māui and Waikawa whānau, the poignant gathering marked both an ending a new beginning.
An overarching theme of the $9million project has been ‘Titiro whakamuri – kia anga whakamua’ reminding those involved to look to the past to move forward into the future.
For former Queen Charlotte Principal Betty Whyte, the blessing marked the end of a project which began nine years ago.
It’s completion, just as she retired after 32 years at the College, was well timed she says.
“What a way to say goodbye. I feel a great sense of pride in what has been achieved, I’m very proud.”
Addressing about 100 members of the community who gathered in the college hall after the blessing, Betty paid tribute to both Te Ātiawa o Te Waka-a-Māui and all those who helped bring the project to fruition.
“I’d like to thank Te Ātiawa for the relationship we’ve had, the support we’ve had from them, we have worked well.
‘An amazing people to work with and their support is really appreciated.
“We stand on their land.”
Seen by the public for the first time this morning, the new additions include purpose-built technology and science classrooms and workshops.
The tour was held in dimmed light as Watson Ohia (Te Ātiawa) led the blessing and walked through the buildings, brushing the walls with Karamū.
The faint smell of new paint, fresh carpet tiles, high ceilings and plenty of space greeted visitors this morning, with pupils both past and present keen to see the new facilities.
Betty says she was delighted to see former pupils involved with the build.
“One of the nicest things about meeting the subbies was that there were so many ex-students coming on board…some of whom we’ve taught on the way through.
“I hope we taught them well,” she smiled, “I think we did.”
The two buildings pay homage to manawhenua’s pepeha and their surrounding environment.
The cultural narratives weaved throughout the buildings were set by Marama Burgess and Amai Thompson, on behalf of Te Ātiawa.
A mauri stone carved by kaiwhakairo Kahu Paki Paki, has been gifted to Queen Charlotte College from Waikawa Marae and Te Ātiawa and sits in pride of place.
It recognises the importance of the whenua of where the school is, and the relationships held between manawhenua and the college.
“The mauri is significant to our whānau and has been specifically created to connect people with our taiao (environment) and inspire them to seek mātauranga (deep knowledge),” Marama explains.
“These have been represented by the local materials of stone, tōtara and whale bone, in addition to a poutama design (the pattern which refers to growth and learning.)”
“The stone comes from Te Awa o Waikawa which provides a strong sense of connection and belonging for students, kaiako and whānau here.”
Appearing at her last official capacity at the school, Betty welcomed new principal Brenden Carroll and had some last words of advice for her students about the new space.
“My wish for you is that you use it well, that you appreciate it for what it is and how many people contributed to this amazing space.”