It was a big day at Rototuna High School on Monday when the Prime Minister, Members of Parliament, representatives of Ngati Wairere, the Mayor Andrew King, Board Chair Megan Campbell and a host of other dignitaries visited to celebrate the official opening of Rototuna Senior High School and the Rototuna Indoor Recreation Centre. It was a privilege for me to represent North East Community Hub at such a special occasion.
I was indeed wowed by the magnificence of the recreation centre – a large space for a variety of sports. Ten years in the planning and construction, the facility reflects the thought and care that has gone into finding combined funding from the Hamilton City Council and the Ministry of Education, through to its impeccable design and construction. I expected to be impressed – and I was.
What seriously blew me away, however, were the students. As we guests were ushered into the recreation centre, the entire school was singing in Maori, word perfect, in time and in tune – a performance sustained over about 20 minutes. The opening ceremony was, of necessity, long and the students maintained flawless discipline throughout the entire proceedings. Rototuna High School has much to be proud of.
Diana Wood, aka Kiwicommunicator
Photo credit: Anna Pratt Photography