On Monday, a group of Marsden's senior kapa haka students had the honour of participating in a mihi whakatau to welcome James Johnston (Ngāti Porou, Te Whānau-a-Apanui) into his new role as National Executive Judge. 

James, a former Chair of Marsden's Management Board and father of Helen in Year 13, was formally welcomed in a moving ceremony attended by dignitaries including the Governor General, Dame Cindy Kiro. Dame Cindy expressed her admiration for the strength and mana of our students' performance, which offered powerful tautoko for James. 

This was a special and memorable experience for our kapa haka students, who represented Marsden with pride.