In early August, we were incredibly fortunate to host a visit from Te Kahu Rolleston and Emele Ugavale as part of the ReadNZ Pōkai Tuhi Māori and Pasifika Writers Programme. This programme was being piloted and hosted by ReadNZ in Ōtaki for the first time and provided the opportunity for local schools to experience a visit from a number of outstanding Māori and Pasifika writers who were able to share their love of language with our students. Running interactive writer workshops, our students were provided with the opportunity to listen to both Te Kahu and Emele as they shared their work and life experiences. They then had the opportunity to create their own poetry to share if they chose. These writers were able to engage, inspire and interact with our students who all spoke positively about the experience.

We look forward to being a part of this programme again in 2025.  Our thanks to Jo Mohi Photography for supplying the photos.