It was great to see an earnest cross-cultural exchange as we welcomed Education New Zealand's Chinese Delegation on Monday 20 May.
One thing that's struck me as really special about John McGlashan is the kōtahitaka (unity) approach to our culture and heritage. It's awesome to see both Scottish Tradition and Te Ao Māori in a collaborative display which is pivotal to welcoming new visitors to the school.
As the delegation proceeded onto the grounds, they were serenaded by our very own Caleb Ung on the bagpipes - giving the welcome a distinctly Dunedin flavour.
On their way into the chapel, the Kapa Haka rōpū channeled a fierce haka for the manuhiri, bringing Te Ao Māori into the fold and setting the scene for the two groups to face and greet one-another formally. The visitors responded with a beautiful waiata in mandarin (pictured above) and we finished up with the traditional hongi.
With the serious part of the welcome now over, it was a pleasure to see that it had broken the ice for the staff and students, who enjoyed a tasty morning tea in our wharekai before getting down to business.
Awesome mahi from everyone involved!
In other things Piping & Kapa Haka - keep your eye out for our coverage of Nga Manu Kōrero (May 30th & 31st in Invercargill) and the NZ Piping Competition (this weekend at the Edgar Learning Centre).
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