Te Kūwaha Mātauraka - the gateway to knowledge

On Saturday, 1st March, we were proud to officially open Te Kūwaha Mātauraka, the second campus of John McGlashan College. Although this campus has been operational since mid-2023, the official opening provided an opportunity for staff, students, and the wider community to come together and celebrate this significant milestone. We were honored by the presence of the Ōraka-Aparima Rūnaka and Mr. Neil Garry, whose foresight and vision made the acquisition of this remarkable facility possible.

The name Te Kūwaha Mātauraka translates to "the gateway to knowledge." We view this facility as a doorway for our students to deepen their understanding not only of the world around them but also of themselves.

The day began early, with a dawn service held at 7:00 a.m., just as the first light of the sun touched the mountains. The Ōraka-Aparima Rūnaka performed a traditional blessing, followed by a powerful haka from our kapa haka students, marking a memorable start to the occasion.

The official opening ceremony took place later in the afternoon at 1:00 p.m., where speeches reflected on the dedication and effort invested in creating this facility. These remarks highlighted the positive impact this new space has already had on students and the significant benefits it will continue to offer in the years to come. The ceremony concluded with the symbolic planting of a Golden Totara tree in the Beech forest below the lodge, marking the beginning of a new chapter for this special place.

Looking ahead, we have ambitious plans for the future of this facility. We remain committed to its growth and development, continually enhancing the experiences we offer while deepening our commitment to sustainability. It is truly exciting to witness this vision take shape, and I eagerly anticipate the continued growth and success of this space in the years ahead. I firmly believe the work we are doing here will leave a lasting legacy for future generations of students, positively impacting both the land and the people who walk it.

A special thank you to the board members, staff, and community members who joined us for this momentous occasion, as well as those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the success of this event.