Last week, our wonderful Room 6 Teacher and Arts & Cultural Coordinator, Nicole Astrella,  interviewed Charlotte C, Year 8 Kapa Haka Lead, about Arts and Culture at ANI.

Charlotte had some awesome insights to share so please read the interview below:

Finding Belonging Through Culture and Creativity at ANI

At Auckland Normal Intermediate, belonging looks different for every student, but through the arts, culture, and shared experiences, many find a place to stand. In this kōrero with Year 8 student Charlotte C (Charlie), kapa haka lead and passionate creative, we hear how values like whanaungatanga (relationships and connection) and rangatiratanga (leadership and self-determination) have helped her thrive.

Charlie joined ANI halfway through last year and quickly discovered that the arts and cultural groups were key to feeling welcome and seen.

“I think it’s about the groups. I came halfway through the year last year, and being part of a classroom and joining clubs really helped. I’m very into music, so getting involved with music groups helped me meet new people and express my identity. I found like-minded people, and I felt like I could really be myself.”

One of the most powerful moments of inclusion came through choir. Despite arriving mid-year and being confined to a wheelchair, Charlie was welcomed into the group and given time to settle in.

“I was still able to participate and was given time to settle in. It was a cool opportunity. Ms Smith was so open and supportive from the start. From there, I knew I had to give Kapa Haka a go. Miss T and Mr Cadelis were also amazing,  they let me leave class when needed and really backed me. Miss T especially helped me celebrate my kaupapa Māori. I came from a really small full primary school (Years 0 to 8), with very few students and no extracurricular activities,  so this was a huge change.”

Charlie is passionate about making sure everyone feels that same sense of inclusion, especially in a school as diverse as ANI.

“ANI is very diverse! I think there are around 40 different cultures here, which is amazing. But we often only see a few of them being celebrated. Some students are shy or have been told not to be ‘too proud’ of where they come from. I’ve even been told that. That’s why it’s so important to support people, not just in their culture, but also in their interests. Celebrating culture should be for everyone. You don’t have to be from a culture to respect it or join in,  it’s about being given the space and opportunity to do so.”

For Charlie, the arts have been more than just fun; they’ve helped her grow in confidence and form deep friendships.

“Being able to express myself has helped me learn more about who I am, even before high school. That can be really daunting otherwise. Through this, I’ve found my best friends.”

She also has some advice for any students who might be feeling unsure about stepping into something new.

“I get it,  it’s totally understandable. Especially as a Year 7, primary schools are small, and the Year 8s here feel like skyscrapers! Everything’s new, and you might not have been part of a big cohort before. But I’d say: go for it. There’s nothing to lose and everything to gain. I’ve found my place and my people.

Sure, not everything works out. I signed up for everything at first, but I had to figure out what to stick with. Just find the things you can commit to.”

As a kapa haka leader, Charlie is always thinking about how to make arts and culture more visible and valued at ANI.

“There’s definitely more we can do. I think it needs to be more accessible, and we need more student voices. We want to hear from students themselves about how much they enjoy the clubs and activities. That would make it feel more relatable, easier to connect with, and help more people take that first step.”

Charlie’s kōrero is a good reminder that when students get the chance to step up, lead, and connect with others, our school becomes a stronger place. Whether it’s through music, culture, or just sharing who we are, feeling like you belong starts with being seen, listened to, and taken seriously.

In the coming weeks, students will have the chance to meet with me to talk through how to take those first exciting steps towards starting their own groups or initiatives. These sessions are all about sparking ideas, building confidence, and offering awhi (support) for anyone with a passion to lead something new. If you’ve got an idea, even a small one, I’d love to help you bring it to life.

Nicole Astrella

Room 6 Teacher and Arts & Cultural Coordinator