CULTURE

Kia whakaako i ngaa rangatahi kia manako, kia ngaakaunui mai to haapori.

To educate and develop young people of who our community will be proud.

There are many cultural groups which students can become involved with at Hillcrest High School. The school’s kapa haka roopu continues to grow from strength to strength as does the Pasifika group.

Some of the key events on the cultural calendar include the annual Autumn Gala and International Concert.

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Maaori

At Hillcrest High school we understand that succeeding as Maaori by Maaori is important and an integral component of the growth and development of our rangatahi.

We focus on providing a culturally responsive school community and classroom to eliminate barriers to learning. Various programmes are provided to encourage, support, mentor and give leadership opportunities for students to participate in.

We want our Maaori students:

Turangawaewae

To have a sense of belonging

Kia tu Maia

To be culturally strong, stand with confidence and competence

Kia Matau Maaori

To be successful and proud to be Maaori, representing their whanau and culture

Leadership opportunities:

  • The Year 9 Tauwhare Marae camp

  • A Whaanau Form Class

  • Manukura – these roles are given to a boy and girl in their final year at Hillcrest High school (Year 13) and it is expected that they uphold all things Maaori across the school student culture. These are roles respected by all students.

  • Maaori student committee – The Manukura chair this committee.

  • Whaanau Hui

  • Maaori Success and Achievement awards evening

  • Kapa Haka – Our whaanau and kapa haka group regularly showcase their performance abilities in and out of the school through Powhiri, Ngahau (entertainment) festivals and award evenings.

Pasifika

Students with Pasifika heritage are warmly welcomed at Hillcrest High School and although our community comprises only
5% of the school student body, these are represented well in statistics for academic and cultural achievement, in leadership roles and in top sports teams.

The Talents of the Pacific Academy (TOPA) are actively involved with the teaching and mentoring of cultural competencies throughout the year. Through this, Dance students achieve credits towards Level 1, 2 and 3 and some Music credits as well.

At Tertiary level we facilitate opportunities for students to access scholarships at either Polytechnics or Universities.

Other opportunities for students include a Pasifika Camp, participation in Pasifika by Nature Cultural Festival, ‘Power Up’ (through Kaute Pacific at Wintec) as well as subject specific mentoring.

Our goal is to encourage these young people to make the very best of their education as Pasifika, to ensure they can pursue meaningful careers in the future.

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