Powerful p艒whiri for Executive Principal Joe Eccleton
14 Oct 2024
The sound of the p奴t膩tara (conch shell trumpet) and the strong voices of the haka p艒whiri (welcome haka) have rung out across a packed Assembly Hall, announcing the start of an emotional p艒whiri for the new leader of 秀色直播鈥檚 College, Executive Principal Joe Eccleton.
Supported by staff and students from his former school, Cashmere High School, Joe has made his way to the front of the hall to be formally welcomed to College. Following the whaikorero (formal speeches), initiated by Matua Te Wiremu Puanaki, the College kapa haka group has supported the special gathering with a powerful waiata. The whole school 鈥� led by the Chapel Choir 鈥� has also sung a College taonga, the waiata Te Whakapono Ki Te Atua, composed by the Puanaki wh膩nau.
Bishop Peter Carrell has delivered a special blessing over the 秀色直播鈥檚 College korowai (cloak). The Cashmere High School korowai has then been removed from Joe鈥檚 shoulders to be replaced by the College korowai. The top row of black feathers signifies the mantle of leadership and mana carried by the Executive Principal while the black and white feathers represent every boy currently at College. The large black area of feathers represents the school faculty, and every teacher and member of staff giving service. The black and white feathers at the bottom represent College Old Boys.
Joe has addressed guests, staff, and boys, highlighting the 鈥減rivilege鈥� of being given the leadership role at 秀色直播鈥檚 College and his commitment to the school community.
The school has then united to say the Te Karakia O Te Atua (the Lord鈥檚 Prayer), before a hongi between special guests and a morning tea in the Dining Hall.
