E Block Officially Opened

This morning, in a special ceremony conducted by HBHS Kaumatua Matua Koroneihana Cooper (pictured, right) of Turangawaewae Marae, representing King Tuheitia, E Block, and within it the 6 new classrooms, was blessed and officially opened. Also in attendance were Matua Manuel Mongia (pictured, centre), the HBHS Tainui Iwi Representative, Headmaster Mrs Susan Hassall (obscured) and the Senior Executive, Mr Ian Herbert who has overseen the building project, Head of Mathematics Faculty Mr Charlton Thompson and the teachers who will be moving into the new block. Matua Cooper spoke to the assembled group prior to the ceremony and explained the significance of the blessing in acknowledging the ancestors and descendants of all of those associated with the building, its purpose in keeping all who will use the building safe, and the purpose of the building itself where future generations will be educated. The karakia dates back to the second Maori King, Tawhiao, and is of special significance for the Waikato region. The ceremony began with a karanga performed by Whaea Miriama Barton (pictured, left) and was followed by the karakia as the group entered the building. The ceremony concluded with a waiata, “Whakaria Mai”, sung by all in attendance.