2009 Official Welcome to Auckland for International Students

On a glorious sunny Thursday in late February the International ESOL students from Bucklands Beach Intermediate boarded the Half Moon Bay ferry to travel into the city.
On arrival we all walked to the Viaduct Basin and saw the old sailing ship, “Spirit of New Zealand,” as well as some of the large charter boats in the harbour.

After a brisk walk up Queen Street we had morning tea outside the Aotea Centre, before going into a welcome ceremony. It opened in spectacular fashion with a haka by students from Mt Albert Grammar School. 1700 international students attended the event. We had some excitement when Ian Lee won a spot prize to go to the Maori cultural show at the Museum.

The Maori cultural group performed a few more songs and dances. Then a contemporary dance group, Toru Toru, wowed us all with their amazing mix of Maori, Pacific and hip-hop dancing. Steven Song joined the dancers on stage for a quick performance and really showed off his moves.

After lunch at McDonalds, and an icecream, it was back to the ferry for the return to school.