On Monday 2 February 2026, our whole school gathered for the start of our year Mihi Whakatau to welcome Year 7s, new Year 8-13 students, international students, new staff and our new Principal, Mr. Mackenzie, into the Sancta Maria College community.
The ceremony began with the sounds of our new taonga pūoro, followed by karanga led by Kaia Perham-Hayes on behalf of Tangata Whenua and a haka pōwhiri led by our kapa haka. Mr. Rimamate and Mr. Tamayo spoke on behalf of Sancta Maria College and Oscar Stewart, 2025 Head Boy of Macleans College and a previous student at Sancta Maria College replied on behalf of the manuhiri.
Father Benedict led all those gathered to bless Mr Mackenzie and his whānau as part of his commissioning as our new Principal at Sancta Maria College. Our Head Boy and Head Girl encloaked Mr. Mackenzie in our new school kākahu and handed over our principal’s tewhatewha. Macleans College representatives then had the opportunity to farewell Mr. Mackenzie with a powerful haka which was reciprocated with Sancta Maria College standing together in haka to receive Mr. Mackenzie into our Sancta Maria College whānau.
Subsequently, Mr. Mackenzie addressed our school, highlighting his enthusiasm and high expectations for our students.
This event was a memorable way to commence our 2026 school year; we look forward to getting to know our new staff and students to Sancta Maria College.
