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Mahurangi College will mark a special milestone next month, celebrating 25 years since the opening of Te Whakawhitiwhiti, the school’s Māori whare.
The anniversary will honour the vision, dedication and community spirit that brought the building to life, as well as the generations who have helped it flourish since.
The celebration will be held on November 22, starting with a pōwhiri at 10am, followed by a morning of storytelling and reflection on the history of Te Whakawhitiwhiti and its place in the life of the college.
Guests will share memories of the whare’s creation, celebrate its ongoing role as a cultural hub and look toward its future. The day will conclude with kai and hāngi around 1pm.
Deputy principal Liana Schischka says Te Whakawhitiwhiti means “the crossing over of worlds” and symbolises unity through communication – a bridge between Māori and Pākehā, gifted after deep discussion at an all-night hui at Puatahi Marae. The name was presented by respected kaumatua including Taki Marsden, Hāhi Walker and Whero Nahi.
The whare was built through the hard mahi of Te Whānau o Mahurangi, a dedicated group of parents, community members and supporters. Its construction was a major achievement for the college and community, with all funds raised locally and materials donated. Though its creation sparked mixed views, and even public criticism at the time, it has since become a cornerstone of cultural life at Mahurangi College.
“Many people gave countless hours to make Te Whakawhitiwhiti a reality,” Schischka said. “This celebration is about honouring them, especially those who have passed, and teaching current and future generations the significance of what was built.”
The event will welcome past students, whānau and members of the wider community, including past winners of the Tu Mana Māori Award, which recognises Māori role models. Representatives and kaumatua from Ngāti Manuhiri, Ngāti Whātua and Ngāti Wai – all instrumental in the whare’s establishment – are also expected to attend.
Schischka said Te Whakawhitiwhiti remains a vital space for the school, hosting pōwhiri, staff cultural inductions, kapa haka and Pacific dance practices, and wānanga. Earlier this year, it provided a place of comfort for students and staff to gather and grieve following the passing of a student.
Recent upgrades include new carpet and blinds, a ponga fence, native plantings and new seating at the waharoa. The school’s building academy is also constructing a separate storage building for mattresses, and discussions are underway about establishing a series of pou across the school grounds.
The 25th anniversary, sparked by reflections at the funeral of one of the original project’s key supporters, Terry Healy, will serve as both a remembrance and a renewal.
