Dr Kay Hawk shared the inspiring story behind the creation of Te Haerenga with Onehunga High School staff.
Next Thursday morning, our school community will come together for the special occasion of celebrating the 30th anniversary of Te Haerenga, our school marae, which officially opened in 1996.
Ahead of this important milestone, former Board of Trustees member Dr Kay Hawk spoke to staff about the history and vision behind Te Haerenga. It was an informative presentation that gave staff a deeper appreciation of the people, partnerships and shared commitment that brought the marae to life. Dr Hawk explained that in the early 1990s, while serving on the Board of Trustees, she led the initiative to establish a marae at Onehunga High School. The vision was to create a whare with mana that would stand as a visible statement of the school's commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. It was also designed to be a whare kura - a teaching and learning space where all students could engage with te ao Māori while supporting the achievement and wellbeing of Māori students. Dr Hawk went on to serve on the Marae Committee for 19 years and has chaired the newly re-established Marae Committee for the past two years, continuing her long-standing commitment to Te Haerenga.
Bringing that vision to life required the support of many people. A dedicated group of trustees, staff, parents and students worked alongside the wider community, visiting local marae, building relationships with mana whenua and seeking their guidance and blessing throughout the project's development. Dr Hawk also acknowledged the significant contribution of her husband, Richard Hawk, throughout the process. Then Principal Chris Saunders and his senior leadership team were passionate supporters of the project, leading fundraising efforts and helping turn the vision into reality.
Dr Hawk also shared the significance of the name Te Haerenga. It reflects the historic journey of waka that were carried across the narrow strip of land between the Waitematā and Manukau Harbours. Just as importantly, it symbolises the journey every student takes during their time at Onehunga High School as they learn, grow and prepare for the future. It was a special morning for staff, offering the opportunity to hear first-hand from the person whose vision helped shape one of the school's most treasured places.
Principal Shameen Hayat described Dr Hawk as a taonga to Onehunga High School, recognising her decades of service and unwavering commitment to ensuring all students have the opportunity to succeed. As the school prepares to celebrate 30 years of Te Haerenga, it is also an opportunity to acknowledge the many people whose vision and hard work made the marae a lasting part of Onehunga High School.
