Fantastic Fale opened at Owairaka Primary

By Diana Tregoweth
A dream was realised for Owairaka with the opening of a traditional fale in the school grounds. Owairaka Primary is a multicultural school with almost 40 per cent of their students from the Pacific.
The Honourable Georgina Te Heuheu, Minister of Pacific Island Affairs, was the guest speaker.
Guests included All Black, Sonny Bill Williams, and Shortland Street actress, Frankie Adams, both are ex pupils of Owairaka. Parents described their attendance at the opening as ‘spine-tingling’ as they listened to the karanga and conch shell welcoming everyone.
The visitors heard ‘Tamariki Owairaka’, the school song being sung with actions, they also watched the school’s Pacific Island groups perform.
One of the highlights was seeing the whole school perform a Samoan sasa. The pupils and staff looked spectacular wearing lavas lavas and leis.
Pacific Island food, along with halal food and food from the many cultures in the school, was shared by visitors and students.
Students described the day as one their favourite days ever.