Pōwhiri and Commissioning Service for Headmaster Mr Grant Lander
On 27 January St Paul’s Collegiate School welcomed a new Headmaster, Mr Grant Lander, to its school with a Pōwhiri and Commissioning Service. The Pōwhiri adhered to the kawa (protocol) of the iwi, Tainui, who hold Mana Whenua (stewardship) in the Waikato area. The format of the Pōwhiri was in keeping with the Chapel setting at St Paul’s Collegiate School, as distinct from that on a Marae.The Commissioning Service was led by Archbishop David Moxon together with the School Chaplain, Reverend Craig Luccock.
Pōwhiri
The Pōwhiri marked the formal final step in the process of the Lindisfarne College community supported by their local iwi, Nagti Kahungunu and Tuhoe, transferring the Headmastership of Mr Lander from their community to St Paul’s.
As the Manuwhiri entered the Chapel they were welcomed with a haka performed by a group of St Paul’s students.
The Powhiri culminated in the gifting of korowai (cloaks) to Mr and Mrs Lander and the very moving ceremonial transfer of Mr and Mrs Lander from their place in the Lindisfarne Community to that of St Paul’s.
During the ceremony of the Powhiri, guests experienced fine oratory from Lindisfarne Kaumatua and guest speakers and heartfelt waiata and haka by the Lindisfarne boys' .
The St Paul’s Choir supported the waikorero of the St Paul’s speaker Mr Willian Cooper with a waiata.
The ceremony concluded with hariru (handshake) and hongi and was followed by the formal school Commissioning Service of Mr Lander, Headmaster, St Paul’s Collegiate School.
Commissioning Service
St Paul’s Collegiate School welcomed their new Headmaster with its traditional Commissioning Service, led by Archbishop David Moxon. The Chapel of Christ the King was filled with students and guests to support Mr Lander as he took a pledge of allegiance to St Paul’s. Mr Lander was supported by his wife Judith and daughter Jennifer.
