Many Birkenhead College school meetings, events and assemblies begin with our karakia, which is simply an affirmation of who we are and what we aspire to become.

It was written by Briar Cornwall (Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahu, Te Aupouri) and is a section from a wider karakia that details important aspects of this area. It was written specifically for Birkenhead College and represents our school values of respect, whānau and pride.

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Tāonga i huna, tāonga i tauakina

Te ngākau oha ka tūramatia

Tera te whetu kapokapo e

Te ngākau mārie

He hau roki moana te hohou rongo

Kia tākoha noa te hinengaro

Haumi ē, hui ē

 Tāiki ē!

Some treasures are hidden, some are revealed

The generous heart illuminates

There is the star that shines

the peaceful heart

Be forgiving like the wind that calms the sea

Let your mind be free