The Governor General, Sir Jerry Mataparae and his wife Lady Janine had a jam-packed itinerary while here on the coast, starting with a pōwhiri at Arahura Marae on 23 February, where Poutini Kāi Tahu jointly welcomed him.

Later in the afternoon he met with students, board members and staff at Westland High School. Students shared their experiences following the Waitangi Day fire, which made national headlines and displaced students and staff, who have been continuing their learning journey across multiple halls and venues in Hokitika. It will be some time before they return to the school. Staff, students and the community have pulled together to meet the challenges presented and most importantly, students do not feel their learning has been compromised. [Read more…]