Ko te amorangi ki mua, ko te hāpai ō ki muri.

Kia hiwa rā, kia hiwa rā!

E ngā reo, e ngā mana, e ngā karangatanga maha, he rā whakahirahira tēnei.

Ka mihi ki ngā tūpuna kua whetūrangitia, ki ngā kaiārahi o mua, me te hunga e tautoko nei i ā tātou katoa.

Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa.

Today marks a very special moment in the history of Manurewa High School.

It is with immense pride that, on behalf of the Manurewa High School Board, we announce the appointment of Katie Spraggon, of Ngāti Mahuta, Waikato, Scottish and English descent, as our next Tumuaki | Principal, commencing 28 January 2027.

Katie's appointment marks a historic milestone. She will be the first woman appointed Tumuaki since Manurewa High School opened in 1960.

For 20 years, Katie has been part of the heart of this kura. From the classroom to senior leadership, she has walked alongside our students, supported our whānau, and helped shape the spirit and sense of belonging we proudly call the Manurewa Magic.

Katie has given 20 years of service to Manurewa High School. Her appointment reflects the confidence of the Board in her ability to lead our kura into its next chapter, grounded in our values of Respect, Excellence, Whanaungatanga and Akoranga.

We also acknowledge our outgoing Tumuaki, Pete Jones, whose leadership and service have helped shape the kura Katie will now lead. We thank Pete for his significant contribution and look forward to honouring his legacy as we prepare for this transition.

As we look towards the future, we do so with confidence in the foundations laid by those before us and the collective strength of the community that surrounds our kura.

Katie, your journey from beginning teacher to Tumuaki is an achievement worth celebrating. You have grown alongside this kura, and now you have the opportunity to lead its next generation.

On behalf of the Manurewa High School Board, we congratulate you and look forward to walking alongside you as you take this next step.

Mā te mana o ō tātou tūpuna koe e ārahi, mā ō rātou wawata koe e whakakaha.

Piki atu rā!