Ignite Sport are incredibly proud to present the HVHS & NNC year 13 Oho Ake graduates for 2021. We have had the privilege of journeying with both groups for the past four years. They are all incredibly gifted young people who exemplify manaakitanga, whanaungatanga & live life joyfully.
Throughout 2021 our Oho Ake programme days were spent with our friend & carving kaiako Matua James from Pakai Creative Wood. Each young person selected their design & style of wood. Under the instruction of Matua, they learnt to use a coping saw, chisel shape into the wood, sand edges, and braid/lash the taonga so it could be worn as a necklace. Each taonga is unique to the individual who created it. It was an immense privilege for our staff to bless & present/return the taonga to their owners. Thank you Matua James & whānau for sharing your whare, time, kai & skills with us. As an Oho Ake whānau we will cherish those moments for the rest of our lives.
Oho Ake; to awaken & rise up. These young people will forever be precious taonga to us. The journey we have shared together is sacred. We have seen each young person awaken new dreams within themselves & rise up to meet challenges. We're waiting & watching in awe, to see all of the things you will all go on to do!