Te Aute College marked the beginning of the 2025 school year with a powerful pōwhiri on 1st February, welcoming new and returning students alongside their whānau. Over 300 people gathered for the event, a significant occasion each year.
“Our students arrive with their maunga, their awa, and everything that makes them who they are,” says Principal Rachel Kingi. “Some students bring over 40 people, some come with just their mums. It’s beautiful to see the support they have.”
Rākaimihirau King has joined the staff as a junior Te Reo and Art teacher, bringing a strong kapa haka background and whānau tautoko. As a Hato Pāora old boy, he and his mates laid down the wero, ensuring the taonga of Te Aute is well cared for.
Rachel Kingi, the first wahine Māori principal of Te Aute College
The pōwhiri was followed by a hākari and a unique tradition where students were placed into their houses, akin to a Hogwarts-style ceremony. “Whānau bring their sons over, line up, and harirū with the pae and Head Boys,” Kingi explains. Afterwards, parents met with staff for a hui to understand routines and expectations, helping to set their minds at ease.
Following the pōwhiri, new students quickly immersed themselves in Te Aute life. The first church service welcomed new whānau, followed by waka ama trials that same afternoon. “We tell new enrolments to get involved—it helps with adjusting and not missing home,” Kingi notes. Trials for sports teams also kicked off, ensuring every student had opportunities to participate.
The Year 11’s headed to Māhia for their annual camp, where they learned about the ocean and kai gathering. “They catch their own lunch and dinner—setting nets, getting crayfish, and even going eeling,” Kingi shares. “The Year 12’s and 13’s went to Ranui Farm in Central Hawkes Bay.” Meanwhile, juniors remained on campus, preparing waiata for their upcoming Waitangi performance in Kahungunu.
Te Aute students and staff also attended the reopening of Tipene (St Stephen’s), a deeply emotional event. “Two of our students, along with myself, Deputy Principal, Chance Vlaardingerbroek, and Matua Wiremu Paenga, went and gifted kowhai trees as a koha, continuing the cycle of giving back,” Kingi says. “It was a powerful moment.”
Looking ahead to 2025, Te Aute is introducing new curriculum programmes, including Te Ara Poutama o Te Aute, a structured scaffolding initiative focusing on skills, values, and attitudes. “This programme ensures our boys leave with the knowledge they need,” Kingi explains. It includes three levels—black for foundational knowledge, red for growth, and white for mastery and teaching. “We’re incorporating elements from different iwi, so when our students return home, they have something to give back.”
Leadership development is another key focus. “We’re trialling a programme to identify Raukura (student leaders) early, so they can return the following year prepared to step into their roles,” says Kingi.
While looking forward to completed refurbishments, Kingi is mindful of the challenges Te Aute faces. “We need to ensure our boys feel valued and have an environment where they can flourish—Te Oranga Ake e te iwi.”
Kingi acknowledges that Māori boarding schools once played an essential role in preserving te reo Māori, but the rise of kura kaupapa has changed the landscape. “Boarding schools aren’t for everyone. We have a stringent enrolment policy to ensure students align with our values. This isn’t a place for discipline—it’s for young men who want to work hard and contribute.”
Despite financial pressures and ageing facilities, Kingi remains optimistic. “Our strength lies in our staff, whānau, and community. Without them, we couldn’t provide the opportunities we do. The support from Te Pīhopatanga o Aotearoa is invaluable—it allows us to remove barriers and give our boys what they need to succeed.”