Year 13 Class of 2025 takes final walk through Orewa College, cheered on by the whole kura in a growing annual tradition.

Whole kura forms moving send-off through campus for departing Year 13s

Last Wednesday, the Orewa College community came together to farewell our Year 13 students with warmth and a few tears, as they took part in the second annual Graduation Walk.

After enjoying the Graduation Breakfast and signing shirts (a fun rite of passage) the Class of 2025 held their own prizegiving with light-hearted “most likely to…” awards celebrating their unique personalities.

They then left the Orewa Arts & Events Centre to a powerful sight, a full guard of honour made up of ākonga and kaiako from across the kura.

The walk wound its way through the O Block quad, past the canteen, Year 8 classrooms and learning support area, and out to Riverside Road. Students and staff lined the route, clapping, hugging, and cheering the Year 13s as they made their final journey through the school grounds.

“It was an uplifting experience for the rest of the school,” said Principal Wiri Warriner, reflecting on the day. Now in its second year, the Graduation Walk is becoming a cherished Orewa College tradition, marking the transition from student to alumni with aroha and pride.

A beautifully shot video by Ralph Zamora captures the wairua of the day and the spirit of this heartfelt send-off.

Video credit: Ralph Zamora & Lewis Bostock