Media Release - St John’s College celebrates students at annual Pō Tuku Taonga Awards

The annual Pō Tuku Taonga awards at St John’s College honoured students for their hard work and dedication in Te Ao Māori and Te Reo Māori.

This year’s event was the largest in a number of years, drawing more than 200 whānau, friends, and community members. The evening highlighted the richness of Māori culture while reflecting the school’s commitment to embedding te reo Māori and tikanga Māori into its values and practices. 

Principal George Rogers expressed his admiration for the journey St John’s has undertaken under the guidance of Matua Maia, whose vision has shaped a deeper cultural identity within the school.

Reflecting on his own journey of learning te reo Māori, Mr Rogers acknowledged how this commitment has personally inspired him and encouraged students to embrace their heritage with pride.

With 26 per cent of the school’s students identifying as Māori, initiatives like whakairo (traditional carving) classes, led by Nathan Foote, have deepened students’ connection to their heritage.

Mr Rogers spoke with pride about the dream of having students return to the school with their whānau, pointing out the pieces they carved themselves.

Head of Te Reo Māori, Matua Maia Solomon, described the awards evening as an authentic celebration of Te Ao Māori and Te Reo Māori.

“This event not only showcases the richness of the Māori culture in its many forms but also recognises the hard work of our students, whether they are Māori or non-Māori,” he said. 

Addressing the graduating students, Mr Rogers commended them as an inspiring group and encouraged them to stay connected to their roots, even envisioning some returning as future educators. “You are our leaders for tomorrow,” he told them. 

Among the award recipients was Year 13 student Deacon Jury (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Raukawa), who received the Manaakitanga Award for displaying qualities of manaakitanga such as kindness, care, and respect toward others.

“It was a bit of a surprise, actually,” he said. “I didn’t think I was going to get anything, so it was nice to be recognised.” 

Deputy Head Boy Toko Turipa (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāi Tuhoe, Ngāti Kahungunu) won the Emia Memorial Taonga for 1st in Class in Year 13 Te Reo Māori and top senior Māori student.

Toko said having a dedicated Māori prizegiving was particularly special. “That was a real big thing for me.”

The awards ceremony also featured guest speaker Whare Timu and was hosted by St John's College old boys Michael Cugley and Kody Ward.

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St John’s College Deputy Head Boy Toko Turipa (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāi Tuhoe, Ngāti Kahungunu) won the Emia Memorial Taonga for 1st in Class in Year 13 Te Reo Māori and top senior Māori student.