From standout student to respected educator and cultural advisor, Adam Whauwhau embodies the spirit of Tirohia Ake – Look around you.
His journey reflects a deep commitment to education, te ao Māori, and supporting young people to connect with their identity.
Currently, Adam teaches at Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu, where he is also part of the bilingual translation team established in 2019. His dedication to supporting Māori immersion and language development continues beyond the classroom through his work as a cultural advisor to Tennis New Zealand and as a member of the Executive Committee for Aotearoa Tennis.
Adam lives at Tauwhare Pā, near Hillcrest High School, and is proud to call it home. He is a father to two sons and a pāpā to six mokopuna. His connection to whānau, whenua, and wairua is core to everything he does.
A Life in Performance, Sport and Teaching
Adam has played tennis for over 30 years and remains involved nationally. He has recorded several albums in te reo Māori, and has represented his iwi and culture at significant events, with one of his proudest achievements being travelling to Henley Regatta alongside Te Arikinui Te Ātaairangikaahu. He also reflects on the birth of his sons as amongst the greatest blessings in his life.
Hillcrest High School – Foundations of Leadership
His time at Hillcrest helped shape much of who he is today:
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Captain of the 1st XV Rugby team (1991–1992)
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Manu Kōrero competitions (1988–1992)
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Kapa Haka Regionals – Tauranga (1988), Whakatāne (1990), Rotorua (1992)
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Rockquest finalist in 1992, alongside Val Halla, a Hillcrest band that also made the finals that year.
“I learnt leadership, Kapa Haka, performing and becoming a kaiako during my time at Hillcrest.”
Memories & Influences
Adam recalls highlights such as the Howick Sports Exchange, rugby tournaments, league, touch rugby, Waka Ama training, and the funeral of former Principal John Leitch held in the Morrison Theatre (Auditorium).
He acknowledges many Hillcrest staff who shaped his journey, including John Leitch, Kevin Hessell, John Paitai, Hans Uivel, Mr Steel, Peter Thomas, Sue Radford, Martin Mikaere, Te Kawe Ratu, and Peter Eggleton, among others.
Returning to Give Back
Adam has returned to Hillcrest on many occasions to speak with ākonga and staff over the past 15 years, sharing insights on life, iwi connections and pathways forward.
His advice to current students draws from his deep cultural understanding and connection to our kura:
“Tirohia ake kia mau kia ita i te mana o te kura, whāia kia eke te tuturutanga o tēnei kura.”
Look inward and uphold the mana of the school, strive to achieve the authenticity and integrity of this kura.
His final message is equally inspiring:
“Whāia te iti kahurangi, ki te tūohu koe, me he maunga teitei.”
Pursue excellence; if you must bow, let it be to nothing less than a mighty mountain.
Looking Ahead
Over the next five to ten years, Adam sees himself continuing his mahi – teaching, composing waiata, playing sport, and representing his iwi at local, national and international events.
E mihi ana ki a koe, e Adam – thank you for your ongoing contributions to education, sport, culture and te reo Māori. You continue to lift the mana of Hillcrest High School and inspire future generations of ākonga to do the same.
