Proud parents and families of Nukutere College turned out in full force with an abundance of ei tipani and tiare māori to reward their children’s academic and sporting achievements at the prize giving awards ceremony yesterday morning.

Tuaanaore Mitchell was elated to receive the prestigious award of Nukutere College Dux.

“I feel blessed and I guess my hard work has paid off, this was my goal since I joined Nukutere five years ago,” said Mitchell.

A dedicated student, she is excited and looking forward to attending Tereora College next year to continue her academic studies.

Her advice for the upcoming Nukutere Year 11 students is to “prioritise your time properly, and if you really want it you’ve got to work for it, and put God first as well”.

In his address, Delaney Yaqona, principal of Nukutere College, remarked that while the college experienced many enjoyable moments throughout the year, it has not passed without its challenges, some of which threatened to derail attempts to provide quality education for students.

“Educational research is unanimous in its conclusion that the most key success factor for the success of a child at school, is parental participation,” said Yaqona.

“Regardless of socio-economic status, student background or the type of school a child attends, parental involvement and engagement is the key.”

He said that students with parents who are involved in their child’s education at school have better attendance and behaviour, better grades, demonstrate better social skills and adapt better to the school’s environment.

“By being involved, we as parents, can foster within our children a love and appreciation of education, which is key to long-term success,” he said.

“As parents it is our responsibility to create a home environment that encourages learning.”

His plea to all parents is to become actively engaged in their child’s education.

Charles-Trevor Woonton is a recipient of the Year 9 Academic Honours award, surrounded by his family: From left: Jan Sijp, Trevor Pitt, proud mum Te Riu O Te Moana Woonton, Mareva Cameron, and Saileon Woonton Sijp (front). MELINA ETCHES/23112427

Next year will herald a new chapter in education with the introduction of the NCEA change programme.

Staff have been busy preparing for this change which will not only impact the senior students, but also Years 9 and 10.

This year at Nukutere saw the first cohort of mainstream-based inclusive education students taking on NCEA.

Yaqona said that two of these four students have gained NCEA Level 1 and the remaining two students are very close to achieving theirs as well.

There has been an increase in children intending to attend Nukutere. Yaqona noted that this year the college had an increase of 20 students and has already received new enrolments for 2024 as early as Term 1.

A new school year, means new initiatives, and this year the college aimed to improve their communication network to ensure that parents, caregivers and all key stakeholders were kept well informed about their activities and progress.

Embracing the digital age, Nukutere has now moved into digital school reports.

Yaqona said this change in their reporting system means school reports are sent out earlier than usual which allows parents time to read through their child’s report and prepare for more meaningful conversations with their teachers concerning their child’s progress.

He was pleased to announce one of the school’s greatest successes was the formation of “Team Inclusive” – consisting of Inclusive Educations students together with Mainstream students – who conquered all teams winning the Air Badminton tournament.

He also noted the “generous financial backing of a kind soul,” local artist Shane Andrew, whose support enabled the school to expand on their school curriculum to include a visual arts programme for the Inclusive Education students.

Nukutere also established a new Buddy Games initiative designed to improve social relationships within the student body, between the staff and students.

Yaqona said these lunch-time activities have proven to be successful and enjoyable.

To strengthen their Peu Māori programme, a “String Band” and “Umu” competition was introduced into the 2023 Inter-House Competition.

Year 11 Academic Merits Awards. From Left: Maevarangi Kirikava Jnr, Teura Wichman, Mama Maara Teariki, Te Pa O Te Rangi Tupa. MELINA ETCHES/23112430

Yaqona acknowledged the school board for their leadership and guidance, and unwavering support for the continued growth of Nukutere College. He also thanked the hard-working staff for their dedication and commitment.

The college presented a special gift to the outgoing Secretary of Education, Danielle Cochrane, “who had an open-mind about possibilities,” said Yaqona.

“Our Inclusive Education Unit-based students can now officially continue at Nukutere College until they complete their Year 13 school year,” he said.

In farewelling the graduating Year 11 class, he said “each of you have given something back to Nukutere College and for that you have my gratitude”.

The Nukutere College Year 11 students are: Teuraarii Macquarie, Mama Maara Teariki, Te Pa O Re Rangi Tupa, Joseph Baledrokadroka, Tuaanaore Mitchell, Briseis Crighton, Teura Wichman, Mathew Tererui, George George, Maevarangi Kirikava, Zion Williams, Siomata Hafoka, Elijah Nootai, Eden Tipokoroa and Tiaiti Akava – who started journey in Year 7 and yesterday graduated from Year 11.

George George with Special Character Award and Vuli Tikomairarotonga with the General Diligence Award. MELINA ETCHES/ 23112435

Nukutere College prizegiving awards 2023

The overall sports female champion of the year award went to Jaceleine Pukerua, and the sports boy champion of the year award went to Paul Ngaroi. The overall top house award went to Edmund Rice.

The Inclusive Education Special Visual Art Awards sponsored by local artist Shane Andrews, were presented to: Isaac Khan, Tyrese Ponga, Kayden Ponga, Maeva-Rangi Browne, Baren Baren, Victor Samuel, Isaiah Vano, Tearii Takaroka-Vaatau, Elijah Nootai, Dryden Dando and Eden Tipokoroa.

Year 7 Awards: Diligence award - Angela Samuela; 1st Kaitiaki Cousins, 2nd Danielle Pinero, Leihaina Tararo.

Year 8 Awards: Diligence award Rosalinie Moui; 1st Tairatea Aue, 2nd Moana Piri, 3rd Vainemoeroa Tauira.

Year 9 Awards: Diligence award -Ioteba Teibi, 1st Lance Vert Tunacao, 2nd Tania Teinaki, 3rd Joseph Rua.

Year 10 Awards: Diligence award – Rauraa Rauraa; 1st Elizabeth Akava-Akaruru, 2nd Noovao Noovao-Blake, 3rd Melody Tommy.

Te Tama Aruaru award - Eden Tipokoroa, Excellence in English - Tuaanaore Mitchell, Te Marae Ora Excellence in Science - Tuaanaore Mitchell, Excellence in Cook Islands Māori: Te Pa O Te Rangi Tupa, Excellence in Commerce - Teura Wichman, Excellence in Religious Studies - Tuaanaore Mitchell, Brother Ignacy Mathematics Memorial award - Mama Maara Teariki, Massey Mateariki Memorial Senior Leadership award - George George, Special Character award - George George, General Diligence - Uli Tikomairarotonga, General Excellence - Tuaanaore Mitchell, Proxima Accessit - Te Pa O Te Rangi Tupa, Nukutere College Dux Tuaanaore Mitchell.

Nukutere College Prefects for 2024 are: Apenisa Bogitini, David Ingaua, Electra Pauka, Elizabeth Akava-Akaruru, Heimataitiapii Teaukura, Jade Cowan, Josua Ravuaceva, Noovao Noovao-Blake, Olawa Puiki, Paul Ngaroi, Rauraa Rauraa, Tepori-A-Pa Heather.