that drive Earth’s dynamic system and a much enjoyed brief glimpse into astronomy. This course culminated with a practical investigation on meteorite impacts. During the year, Earth & Space Science senior students had the opportunity to participate in two field trips, including a one-day trip investigating the geology of the local area and its influence on landscape formation. During this trip to Banks Peninsula and Birdlings Flat, the boys enjoyed honing their observational skills and using geological hammers. In Term 3, these observational skills were developed during our successful three-day field trip to Tekapo where we were able to use the University of Canterbury’s Boller and Chivens Telescope. The field trip fulfilled a requirement for the Aspect of Astronomy assessment and was an opportunity to add detail to both the atmospheric and geological components of the Earth & Space Science course. This trip was a highlight of the year for the students. The applied nature of Earth & Space Science means that field work is an integral component of this subject. In May, Earth & Space Science student Robert Kidd was awarded a scholarship to attend the conference of the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand. His paper was well received at the conference. The support of the three science technicians and access to the Physics Department resources have made the practical aspect of Earth & Space Science possible. Dr Anna Johnston TiC Earth & Space Science TE REO MAˉORI It has been a great year for the Te Reo Maˉori & Indigenous Studies Department. We began by welcoming our new whaˉnau and aˉkonga to the school with a Mihi Whakatau on the Quad. It is such a wonderful occasion and always a pleasure to welcome new whaˉnau and their sons to College. We are very grateful to have such supportive parents and wider whaˉnau who are keen to ensure
International Culture & Languages Department and those relationships remain strong and vibrant. As a department, we have been so fortunate to have Matua Field, who has brought experience and enthusiasm to the classroom. Sadly, he will leave us at the end of year to embark on the next part of his journey working as a Head of School in Kenya. We have been lucky to have Matua O’Leary, who has been a great addition to the department and doing a fantastic job teaching in the junior area. In 2025, we welcome a new te reo Maˉori teacher, Matua Tait, who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. Our class numbers remain strong, and more students are choosing Te reo Maˉori as a subject at College. This year we had 10 students doing Level 3 Te reo Maˉori and 10 students doing Level 2 Te reo Maˉori and two juniors (Pewhairangi and Kiniwai Morgan) doing Level 2 and Level 3, respectively. We continue to build our programmes, which include developing the students’ ability to read, write, and, most importantly, speak confidently and competently in Te reo Maˉori. We are always looking
for new and innovative ways to meet the needs of the students, whaˉnau, and our wider community. This has been made possible by the expertise we have within the whaˉnau, other outside providers, and utilising the networks and relationships that have been established to provide a robust learning context for our aˉkonga. We represented the school with pride at only our second appearance at Ngaˉ Manu Koˉrero this year, with three outstanding speakers – Kiniwai Morgan (Junior English 2nd place), Pewhairangi Morgan (Junior Maˉori 3rd place), and Tom Rawstron (Senior English 6th place). These three students have set a solid platform for us to build on and continue to promote Christ’s College as a school that is more than willing to get involved in Kaupapa Maˉori and stand with confidence in the community. Our numbers in kapa haka continue to grow, with a roˉpuˉ of 55–65 members. These dedicated students were also able to carry on a legacy at College by standing at the recent Tuˉhono kapa haka competition at the Town Hall. They came away with a
3rd place in the haka section, which was a great achievement for the boys. We have been so proud of our leadership group for our Bicultural committee (Te Roˉpuˉ Tikanga Rua) and particularly our leader for 2024, Tom Rawstron, who has done such a great job promoting te reo Maˉori me oˉna tikanga at College. He and the other members of the group did a fantastic job organising activities for Te Wiki o Te reo Maˉori and supporting new initiatives and policies within the school. We are in good hands next year with our leader, Tai Mckenzie, and I know he will continue to build on the hard work of his predecessors. This year, we continued our acknowledgement of student commitment through the kapa haka honours and it was great to acknowledge those students for their dedication and leadership. These students, with the support of staff and whaˉnau, continue to look for new and innovative ways to incorporate more Maˉori and Pasifika initiatives into everyday school life. Keri Campbell
HoD Te Reo Maˉori & Indigenous Studies
kaupapa Maˉori at College is clearly accessible and thriving. We are always keen to build our own understanding at College and look at ways to improve Te reo Maˉori me oˉna tikanga. By holding regular whaˉnau hui we can receive feedback and advice from our whaˉnau to improve our basic practice and alignment with traditional practice. We have been excited to see our numbers growing with kapa haka attendance and it was a lovely morning connecting with whaˉnau at the kapa haka breakfast launch. This was another great opportunity to welcome our new and existing whaˉnau to the Dining Hall to share a meal and celebrate the start of the year with a performance from the boys. Another way in which we can develop the students is by giving
them the opportunity to learn from Matua Te Huaki, who is an amazing tutor. His commitment to kapa haka and tikanga and the support that we receive from his father, Wiremu, and mother, Tihi, is second to none. It is always special being together as a College community and hearing the boys perform haka and waiata together. We continued the momentum from this event into our first whaˉnau hui with a smaller group of parents coming together to help build the capacity of the school. As a group, we are always looking towards the future. The main focus being on growing the students and giving them opportunities to experience Te Ao Maˉori and enhance its use within our College community. We continue to work closely with the
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