--- title: 'Whare Akoranga' url: 'https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/celebrating-50-years-1973-2023/whare-akoranga' markdown: 'https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/celebrating-50-years-1973-2023/whare-akoranga.md' date: '2026-09-14' description: 'Kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua - I walk backwards into the future with my eyes fixed on my past Whare Akoranga – House of Learning As we accelerate into the new century, Green Bay High School has taken the best of our past and weaved it into a fresh vision for our future. That is true of the wh…' --- # Whare Akoranga Whare Akoranga House of Learning ![Whare Akoranga](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/e/6/8/9/a/e689ae4c3d9a962124a68a73be368c93508b0a70-whare-akoranga.jpg "Whare Akoranga") ***Kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua - I walk backwards into the future with my eyes fixed on my past*** **Whare Akoranga – House of Learning**As we accelerate into the new century, Green Bay High School has taken the best of our past and weaved it into a fresh vision for our future. That is true of the whole school, including Te Roopo o Kākāriki Marae, replacing the old and rotten buildings but keeping its essence. Kaumatua Pat Heremaia, who initiated the Marae to built on our school back in 1976, was fully involved in the decision to re-build the Marae, which over time had became rotten and in need of major repair. Pat’s ongoing consultation and guidance ensured the transition to our current Whare Akoranga followed tikanga (correct protocols, customs, and respect). We were extremely privileged to have Kaumatua Pat Heremaia officiate the whakanoa transition and renewal ceremony on 20 June 2012, to commence the process of Te Roopo O Kākāriki Marae’s transition into a new Whare Akoranga. The date of the whakanoa marked an auspicious time for our ceremony, celebrating new beginnings, with Matariki starting the very next day. The whakanoa ceremony included removing tapu from the carvings and was an important process, allowing the way for tangata whenua to dismantle the carvings and for buildings to proceed. Original carvings and other significant artifacts that are in sound condition will eventually be incorporated into the new building. However, some carvings, which were beyond repair, were farewelled during the whakanoa transition. Kaumatua Pat Heremaia blessed our new building at its official opening (2012) attended by students, staff, distinguished guests, and members of the public. The Kākāriki Trust’s mission was to ensure the integrity and sustainability of the Marae in relation to the school community, therefore our Marae was redeveloped as a Whare Akoranga – House of Learning – in a 21st century learning environment. It has retained its visible presence and stands as an acknowledgement of bi-culturalism, central to our school and to the uniqueness of New Zealand. 'Kua hinga te tōtara o Te Waonui a Tāne' (the tōtara in the great forest of Tāne has fallen) Kaumatua and foundation staff member, Pat Heremaia, sadly passed away in May 2016, and is laid to rest at Te Moengaroa Urupa, in Taranaki. [50th EVENT PHOTO GALLERY](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jlm4A-5YFnwvIl09IORz9QFDfo0tKIMg?usp=sharing) [Founding Principal, Des Mann](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/celebrating-50-years-1973-2023/founding-principal-des-mann) [Celebrating 50 Years](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/celebrating-50-years-1973-2023/1973-2023-timeline) [Kākāriki Marae (1976)](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/celebrating-50-years-1973-2023/kakariki-marae) [Whare Akoranga](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/celebrating-50-years-1973-2023/whare-akoranga) [Join Our Alumni](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/celebrating-50-years-1973-2023/share-your-story) [School Yearbook ARCHIVES](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/celebrating-50-years-1973-2023/yearbook-archives-and-alumni) [Class Lists/Alumni](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1IJ_PJOeL0myskS1IgDN2uNzrbw5_Juw7_AlrxeGJuj0/edit?usp=sharing) School News Keep up to date with all the latest news from Green Bay High ![school.kiwi](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/6/2/d/2/8/62d2840ef7f6bf0b13643386f0efaa2ce479724e-reporting-absences1.jpg "school.kiwi") Reporting an Absence Web Portal 18th September 2026 at 7:50am [Reporting an Absence Web Portal 18th September 2026 at 7:50am](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/news/term-3-2026/reporting-an-absence) ![sunsmart image](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/a/4/9/f/c/a49fccd6f7bb103edb3e796c79a596189bb86098-blood-drive2x-3.jpg "sunsmart image") Be SunSmart UV Rays 17th September 2026 at 9:50am [Be SunSmart UV Rays 17th September 2026 at 9:50am](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/news/term-3-2026/be-sunsmart) ![lifechanger](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/c/2/3/d/6/c23d6eebd1528b21c10614c1c35b8457f489c800-lifechanger-image.jpg "lifechanger") LifeChanger Year 9 17th September 2026 at 9:10am [LifeChanger Year 9 17th September 2026 at 9:10am](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/news/term-3-2026/lifechanger-programme) ![](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/e/1/2/c/9/e12c9346bd33b8d2bfb53535e5afb98b1960f8af-pasifika-performers.jpg) Pasifika Performance All welcome! 17th September 2026 at 7:20am [Pasifika Performance All welcome! 17th September 2026 at 7:20am](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/news/term-3-2026/pasifika-performance) ![goethe](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/e/d/d/b/a/eddba04369b137be1df80de940d338e8a2107958-goethe2x-1.jpg "goethe") Lifelong Learners Inspiring Teachers 15th September 2026 at 12:20pm [Lifelong Learners Inspiring Teachers 15th September 2026 at 12:20pm](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/news/term-3-2026/lifelong-learners) ![](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/9/e/4/8/6/9e4866ddf4f4f51c6110f8dea6b95ad427e0d259-green-impact.jpg) Green Impact EcoMatters 15th September 2026 at 7:50am [Green Impact EcoMatters 15th September 2026 at 7:50am](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/news/term-3-2026/green-impact) ![ebikes](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/d/4/6/4/0/d4640a2047ba577366d0d8b8d1ed65b0ddce4d99-scooter2x-1.jpg "ebikes") Safety Message E-Bikes 15th September 2026 at 7:45am [Safety Message E-Bikes 15th September 2026 at 7:45am](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/news/term-3-2026/safety-message) ![front of admin](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/8/7/d/5/f/87d5fc1babaa54f99504ac5892b0aacf38b874a9-become-an-agent.jpg "front of admin") Parent Contact Detail… #### Communication is important to us. **Emails and phone calls… 15th September 2026 at 7:42am** [Communication is important to us.](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/news/term-3-2026/parent-contact-details) ![front of admin](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/b/6/4/1/b/b641be0fa2720ad77c93ab38d7d81d6f711457a3-become-an-agent.jpg "front of admin") Parent Contact Detail… #### Communication is important to us. **Emails and phone calls… 15th September 2026 at 7:42am** [Communication is important to us.](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/news/term-3-2026/parent-contact-details-2) ![vision west](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/2/d/5/b/9/2d5b91dbfe9f215b77f4735452916696255dc85e-vision-west.jpg "vision west") Visionwest Community Support 11th September 2026 at 3:22pm [Visionwest Community Support 11th September 2026 at 3:22pm](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/news/term-3-2026/visionwest) ![Student trustee](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/f/8/9/1/5/f891577050a67b07fe88531def6993c9e9accfd9-student-trustee-20272x-2.jpg "Student trustee") Student Trustee Voting Results 11th September 2026 at 11:33am [Student Trustee Voting Results 11th September 2026 at 11:33am](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/news/term-3-2026/student-trustee) ![old boys](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/6/a/2/3/d/6a23d821f3b34fbb3560e5cfdee4f8636b366556-old-boys-photo.jpg "old boys") History Repeats Old Boys V 1st XV 11th September 2026 at 9:45am [History Repeats Old Boys V 1st XV 11th September 2026 at 9:45am](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/news/term-3-2026/history-repeats) [Read more news](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/news) Calendar Sep 21 Customer Service Superstar (in-school event) 8:40am C3 Sep 21 Customer Service Superstar (in-school event) 8:40am C3 Sep 21 10SPS Squash (EOTC) TT lesson only (Term 3) 12:30pm Titirangi Squash Club Sep 21 10SPS Squash (EOTC) TT lesson only (Term 3) 12:30pm Titirangi Squash Club Sep 23 10SPS Term 3 Squash Tournament (S/E) 11:20am Titirangi Squash Club Sep 23 10SPS Term 3 Squash Tournament (S/E) 11:20am Titirangi Squash Club Sep 24 SPAIN TRIP 2026 overseas (EOTC) 8:00am Seville, Barcelona, Salamanca and Madrid Sep 24 SPAIN TRIP 2026 overseas (EOTC) 8:00am Seville, Barcelona, Salamanca and… Sep 24 BOT Meeting (5pm - 7pm) 5:00pm Sep 24 BOT Meeting (5pm - 7pm) 5:00pm Sep 25 End of Term 3 Sep 25 End of Term 3 Sep 26 EPRO8 Jnrs Semi-Final (EOTC) 9:00am Henderson High School Sep 26 EPRO8 Jnrs Semi-Final (EOTC) 9:00am Henderson High School Oct 12 Start of Term 4 Oct 12 Start of Term 4 Oct 14 10GER Film Fest (EOTC) 9:00am Devonport Oct 14 10GER Film Fest (EOTC) 9:00am Devonport Oct 20 02VOC Volunteering (EOTC) 9:45am Salvation Army, New Lynn Oct 20 02VOC Volunteering (EOTC) 9:45am Salvation Army, New Lynn Oct 21 02VOC Volunteering (EOTC) #1 11:25am Kiwi Valley Farm Oct 21 02VOC Volunteering (EOTC) #1 11:25am Kiwi Valley Farm Oct 21 02VOC Volunteering (EOTC) #2 12:30pm Kiwi Valley Farm Oct 21 02VOC Volunteering (EOTC) #2 12:30pm Kiwi Valley Farm Oct 22 GBHS Sport Award Evening 6:30pm GBHS Auditorium Oct 22 GBHS Sport Award Evening 6:30pm GBHS Auditorium Oct 23 L2 Folio Exhibition Oct 23 L2 Folio Exhibition Oct 26 Labour Day - public holiday Oct 26 Labour Day - public holiday Oct 27 02VOC Volunteering (EOTC) 11:05am Salvation Army, New Lynn Oct 27 02VOC Volunteering (EOTC) 11:05am Salvation Army, New Lynn Sep 21 Customer Service Superstar (in-school event) 8:40am C3 Sep 21 Customer Service Superstar (in-school event) 8:40am C3 Sep 21 10SPS Squash (EOTC) TT lesson only (Term 3) 12:30pm Titirangi Squash Club Sep 21 10SPS Squash (EOTC) TT lesson only (Term 3) 12:30pm Titirangi Squash Club Sep 23 10SPS Term 3 Squash Tournament (S/E) 11:20am Titirangi Squash Club Sep 23 10SPS Term 3 Squash Tournament (S/E) 11:20am Titirangi Squash Club Sep 24 SPAIN TRIP 2026 overseas (EOTC) 8:00am Seville, Barcelona, Salamanca and Madrid Sep 24 SPAIN TRIP 2026 overseas (EOTC) 8:00am Seville, Barcelona, Salamanca and… Sep 24 BOT Meeting (5pm - 7pm) 5:00pm Sep 24 BOT Meeting (5pm - 7pm) 5:00pm Sep 25 End of Term 3 Sep 25 End of Term 3 Sep 26 EPRO8 Jnrs Semi-Final (EOTC) 9:00am Henderson High School Sep 26 EPRO8 Jnrs Semi-Final (EOTC) 9:00am Henderson High School Oct 12 Start of Term 4 Oct 12 Start of Term 4 Oct 14 10GER Film Fest (EOTC) 9:00am Devonport Oct 14 10GER Film Fest (EOTC) 9:00am Devonport Oct 20 02VOC Volunteering (EOTC) 9:45am Salvation Army, New Lynn Oct 20 02VOC Volunteering (EOTC) 9:45am Salvation Army, New Lynn Oct 21 02VOC Volunteering (EOTC) #1 11:25am Kiwi Valley Farm Oct 21 02VOC Volunteering (EOTC) #1 11:25am Kiwi Valley Farm Oct 21 02VOC Volunteering (EOTC) #2 12:30pm Kiwi Valley Farm Oct 21 02VOC Volunteering (EOTC) #2 12:30pm Kiwi Valley Farm Oct 22 GBHS Sport Award Evening 6:30pm GBHS Auditorium Oct 22 GBHS Sport Award Evening 6:30pm GBHS Auditorium Oct 23 L2 Folio Exhibition Oct 23 L2 Folio Exhibition Oct 26 Labour Day - public holiday Oct 26 Labour Day - public holiday Oct 27 02VOC Volunteering (EOTC) 11:05am Salvation Army, New Lynn Oct 27 02VOC Volunteering (EOTC) 11:05am Salvation Army, New Lynn [It’s Term 3, Week 10](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/calendar-and-dates) [Term Calendar](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/calendar-and-dates) Community ![be the best](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/b/c/7/2/4/bc7248a73f4b33c551f074a7098607e8241768f2-be-the-best.jpg "be the best") Enrolment School zone, prospectus, enrolment packs, term dates and uniforms. [Enrolment School zone, prospectus, enrolment packs, term dates and uniforms.](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/home) ![school.kiwi](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/a/d/a/6/3/ada63407496c9af1ad6b6b5296756e296e2154b2-schoolkiwi.jpg "school.kiwi") Web Portal school.kiwi - Notify us of an absence and keep up with notices and other school information. [Web Portal school.kiwi - Notify us of an absence and keep up with notices and o…](https://greenbayhigh.school.kiwi/) ![leaders smile](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/3/6/d/b/8/36db8b0300ed5f1ce77cd08380278346b232db51-leaders-smile-.jpg "leaders smile") Wellbeing & Support Support for students and their whānau from experienced counselling and support services. [Wellbeing & Support Support for students and their whānau from experienced coun…](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/student-life/wellbeing-and-support) ![football goal](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/2/e/9/5/a/2e95a640c5428cb701b0f6bfbb0d1d0b99614aef-football-goal.jpg "football goal") Sports Draws Keep up with the latest fixtures and results for all GBHS sports teams. [Sports Draws Keep up with the latest fixtures and results for all GBHS sports t…](https://drawsresults.sportsrunner.net/school/?org=CSA&club=GC&style=club) ![coffee and chat](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/7/2/1/f/0/721f00b480a8032269f6f1adba42cefa11a8e040-coffee-and-chat.jpg "coffee and chat") International Information and resources for international students, families and agents. [International Information and resources for international students, families an…](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/international/welcome-to-new-zealand) ![be the best](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/b/c/7/2/4/bc7248a73f4b33c551f074a7098607e8241768f2-be-the-best.jpg "be the best") Enrolment School zone, prospectus, enrolment packs, term dates and uniforms. [Enrolment School zone, prospectus, enrolment packs, term dates and uniforms.](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/home) ![school.kiwi](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/a/d/a/6/3/ada63407496c9af1ad6b6b5296756e296e2154b2-schoolkiwi.jpg "school.kiwi") Web Portal school.kiwi - Notify us of an absence and keep up with notices and other school information. [Web Portal school.kiwi - Notify us of an absence and keep up with notices and o…](https://greenbayhigh.school.kiwi/) ![leaders smile](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/3/6/d/b/8/36db8b0300ed5f1ce77cd08380278346b232db51-leaders-smile-.jpg "leaders smile") Wellbeing & Support Support for students and their whānau from experienced counselling and support services. [Wellbeing & Support Support for students and their whānau from experienced coun…](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/student-life/wellbeing-and-support) ![football goal](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/2/e/9/5/a/2e95a640c5428cb701b0f6bfbb0d1d0b99614aef-football-goal.jpg "football goal") Sports Draws Keep up with the latest fixtures and results for all GBHS sports teams. [Sports Draws Keep up with the latest fixtures and results for all GBHS sports t…](https://drawsresults.sportsrunner.net/school/?org=CSA&club=GC&style=club) ![coffee and chat](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/7/2/1/f/0/721f00b480a8032269f6f1adba42cefa11a8e040-coffee-and-chat.jpg "coffee and chat") International Information and resources for international students, families and agents. [International Information and resources for international students, families an…](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/international/welcome-to-new-zealand) ![be the best](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/b/c/7/2/4/bc7248a73f4b33c551f074a7098607e8241768f2-be-the-best.jpg "be the best") Enrolment School zone, prospectus, enrolment packs, term dates and uniforms. [Enrolment School zone, prospectus, enrolment packs, term dates and uniforms.](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/home) ![school.kiwi](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/a/d/a/6/3/ada63407496c9af1ad6b6b5296756e296e2154b2-schoolkiwi.jpg "school.kiwi") Web Portal school.kiwi - Notify us of an absence and keep up with notices and other school information. [Web Portal school.kiwi - Notify us of an absence and keep up with notices and o…](https://greenbayhigh.school.kiwi/) ![leaders smile](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/3/6/d/b/8/36db8b0300ed5f1ce77cd08380278346b232db51-leaders-smile-.jpg "leaders smile") Wellbeing & Support Support for students and their whānau from experienced counselling and support services. [Wellbeing & Support Support for students and their whānau from experienced coun…](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/student-life/wellbeing-and-support) ![football goal](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/2/e/9/5/a/2e95a640c5428cb701b0f6bfbb0d1d0b99614aef-football-goal.jpg "football goal") Sports Draws Keep up with the latest fixtures and results for all GBHS sports teams. [Sports Draws Keep up with the latest fixtures and results for all GBHS sports t…](https://drawsresults.sportsrunner.net/school/?org=CSA&club=GC&style=club) ![coffee and chat](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/images/7/2/1/f/0/721f00b480a8032269f6f1adba42cefa11a8e040-coffee-and-chat.jpg "coffee and chat") International Information and resources for international students, families and agents. [International Information and resources for international students, families an…](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/international/welcome-to-new-zealand) Be Social `Instagram plugin is disabled` [Find us on Facebook](https://facebook.com/gbhsnz) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/gbhs_official) Navigate - [ Home ](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/) - [ About Us ](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/about-us) - [ Enrolment ](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/enrolment) - [ Learning ](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/learning-areas) Contact Contact us: [https://greenbayhigh.school.kiwi/contact\_us](https://greenbayhigh.school.kiwi/contact_us)Green Bay High School 143 - 161 Godley Road, Green Bay Auckland 0643 New Zealand PO BOX 80002 | | | |---|---| | Tel | [+64 9 817 8173](tel:+6498178173) | | Absences | [Ext. 234 or press ‘1’ (one)](tel:+6498178173,234) | | Email | | | CONTACT US | [https://greenbayhigh.school.kiwi/contact\_us](https://greenbayhigh.school.kiwi/contact_us) | For contact details of individual staff, including Year level deans, please navigate to our [staff directory](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/about-us/staff) Kōtuitui Community Green Bay High School is proudly part of the Kōtuitui community of learning, a learning network of 12 West Auckland schools. To learn more about the Kōtuitui community please click [HERE](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/community/kotuitui). [![Kotuitui Community of Learning](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/user/themes/gbhs/images/kotuitui.svg)](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/community/kotuitui) --- ## Navigation - Previous: [50th Photo Gallery](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/celebrating-50-years-1973-2023/50th-photo-gallery.md) - Next: [Join our Alumni](https://greenbayhigh.school.nz/celebrating-50-years-1973-2023/share-your-story.md)