By Chelsea Boyle
Parents, teachers, pupils and former pupils gathered to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Wairarapa school in Masterton last Saturday.
Principal Hohepa Campbell said it was special family-oriented celebration with lots of singing.
“It was uplifting,” he said.
“We planted native trees, 25 for each of the years [the school has been open].”
The day was also filled with basketball games, indoor swimming and performances from the kapa haka group.
Mr Campbell said that at one point 400 people were in attendance.
There was a hakari – feast – for everyone to enjoy, followed by a school ball later in the day.
Mr Campbell said it had been a “fantastic” day.
He said it was important to encourage students to pursue the leadership roles they will have in the future of maoridom.