Te Kura o Te Whānau ā Apanui celebrated 150 years in style last week.

Festivities, which ran from November 17-24, drew an estimated 600 people who came and went, beginning with a haka pōhiri (welcoming ceremony).

The anniversary also saw the opening of an exhibition providing an overview of the experiences of countless students and staff who had attended the school since 1875.

“This brought back many memories for visitors by comprising memorabilia, photos, letters, newspaper clippings, certificates and memoirs from many of the individuals involved,” principal Teia Herewini said.

The exhibition tracked various incarnations of the school through the decades, which have included:

■ Maraetai Native School
■ Te Kaha Māori District High School
■ Te Whānau-ā-Apanui District High School
■ Te Whānau-ā-Apanui Area School
■ Te Kura o Te Whānau ā Apanui

“We had a ceremony to unveil our pou haki (flagpole), put up in 1955 when the school was in its previous location. It has been restored and given pride of place in the present kura.

“Wednesday was about storytelling. We had teams interview previous students and kaiako who shared stories about their connection to the school and their lives in days gone by.”

A twilight concert represented the finale of the anniversary celebrations, wrapping up the event on Friday. It had performances by past and present students as well as professional musicians with a link to the school.

“Refreshments included food from the kai carts plus in the vicinity of 200 cupcakes and a specially baked three-tier cake to mark 150 years of our history, more of a ‘happy birth week’ than a ‘happy birthday’,” Ms Herewini said.  

“We are deeply grateful to every whānau member, ex-staff, ex-tauira, kura, and hapori, who returned home to share this beautiful moment with us.

“Your aroha and presence made the day truly special.”