Kia Aroha College

Welcome to Kia Aroha College, an exceptional educational institution located at 51 Othello Drive in Auckland, New Zealand. As a secondary school and university, we are dedicated to providing high-quality education and fostering a sense of community and cultural understanding.

At Kia Aroha College, we believe in challenging our students to think critically and take action. Recently, our Maori Bilingual Unit, Te Whanau o Tupuranga, was encouraged to reflect on the significance of Waitangi Day. We prompted them to consider whether it is a day of celebration, protest, or remembrance. This exercise allowed our students to delve into important discussions and unpack concepts such as kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and peaceful activism.

In line with our commitment to cultural awareness, many of our students have had the opportunity to visit Ihumātao in recent weeks. They have actively participated in various activities to support the cause, including collecting rubbish, engaging in conversations, and witnessing the dedication of the protectors. These experiences have deepened their understanding of indigenous issues and the importance of their own cultural heritage.

We are proud to have hosted the Otara Community meeting in our school hall, where residents, local officials, and community leaders gathered to discuss community-based solutions. While it was encouraging to see the turnout and engagement, we believe that the opportunity for genuine collaboration was missed. Nonetheless, this experience has highlighted the progressive nature of our school and the privilege it is to be part of the Kia Aroha College whanau.

As we reflect on our role in the wider Maori and Pasifika communities, we are reminded of the significance of indigenous education practices. During my recent trip to Hawaii and participation in Polyfest events, I was inspired by the dedication of other indigenous educators advocating for normalized practices in their communities. This has reaffirmed our commitment to providing culturally sustaining education at Kia Aroha College.

We recently hosted the Te Akatea Executive, a group of key stakeholders influencing change for Maori learners, at our facilities. Together, we discussed the Tomorrow's Schools Review report and its 32 recommendations from the perspective of Maori learners. This collaborative effort demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the best educational outcomes for all our students.

As we celebrate Waitangi Day, it is important to refresh our understanding of its significance. I encourage you to read the insightful post from The Spinoff, which sheds light on the importance of this day. At Kia Aroha College, we believe that every day is Waitangi Day, and we strive to instill this understanding in our students.

Looking ahead, we have an exciting Term 1 planned. Our students will be showcasing their talents at the ASB Polyfest from 13-16 March. Additionally, they will be engaged in various learning experiences, including our Designated Character, Graduate Profiles, and Learning Model. Our senior students will be working towards achieving at least 25 NCEA credits by the end of the term.

We are thrilled to welcome you and your whanau to Kia Aroha College, where we are dedicated to providing a special and inclusive learning environment. Join us on this educational journey as we empower our students to excel academically and become active, culturally aware members of society.