Under the Bridge | A Year Inside Papakura High School

At the edge of the city and the margins of society, a school and its students are fighting back. With funding from NZ On Air. Full story: goo.gl/q8TZFm
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[@KingcreativeAu]

I failed school. Dropped out. Only to work in crap jobs. I returned to this school as an adult student. Passed my grades. Got better jobs and went on to build my own media company in Australia that now works with some of the largest companies in the world. I'm an author. A father. A business owner. Mentor. Speaker and proud student of Papakura High School. It may not be the flashest school out there, but it still produces students that help change the world.

[@hunitsjen]

Wait how did you go to a high school as an adult?!

[@AT-wn1vh]

@@hunitsjen , in Australia they can do their higher school certificate at tafe . There are places ! So proud to those that rises above the odds !! Many blessings

[@yvonnejessice11]

Track Sassy he didn’t even mention his company’s name. Wouldn’t call that promoting.

[@AT-wn1vh]

@@tracksassy5203 lol ..maybe you are right lol

[@serum4016]

God bless you and your family❤️

[@viewsONTRENDING]

I went to James Cook high school, Manurewa, these lives and stories resonate with me, I'm came from nothing, I was given nothing but now I travel the world for work, live overseas and have a family of my own, you can come from bad beginnings but still reach the stars

[@user-vq6hj]

Moon自殺 lol

[@charlottegrace6656]

I grew up in Manurewa and all my sisters went to James Cook. That was decades ago though

[@nevadabrown38]

I went to JC as well ... I just pray I have a story to tell one day about how I made it out of rewa. One day with all my family we’ll look back on those days and smile knowing we won’t ever have to struggle again. That’s the star I wanna reach 💯

[@hpwhatnot9573]

I'm going james cook next year

[@yourhighness9191]

I'm an ex James Cook high school student at the time I hated it but now that it's over I really miss it and wished I actually tried and did school work would have made my life easier when it came to achieving what I wanted faster when I left but oh well never too late I guess

[@trollinghaters9093]

now thats a real principal.

[@kylietomuri1449]

This is awesome. They should do a "where are they now" that would be pretty cool.

[@rosenarikihana8554]

Hi Lolo Jones ❤️💙🖤😎😝😂🍎

[@user-vq6hj]

They’re all on sinnys

[@tonyalemoe8608]

My babies attended schools in Papakura for a short time and when we moved I put them into Catholic schools, my babies miss everything about Papakura the caring community, loving teachers, supportive and true friends that they will never forget. They experienced a few ups and downs at their new school and came home crying mama we want to go back to Papakura please. Due to our commitments we couldn't return, but what they had in Papakura they have applied it to their lives and have certainly become great young adults with pure hearts souls. They met up with their friends at a combined school trip and it was like they never left their school friends from Papakura. Awesome community safe suburb for us to reside in and we really do miss KURA SO MUCH 🌹

[@willzee5354]

Should make this into a series around most of our schools in Auckland, this would inspire alot of our youth and open alot of eyes to most of our society. This was quite intriguing to watch #Respect ✊🏽

[@Diggy2Dope]

Will Zee awesome idea

[@ondreyahnoemafaatui.878]

I hope and pray Wendy is flourishing right now, she is an amazing young woman who is so selfless! Awesome vid 😊The principal, school and students deserve more help from the M.O.E but I hope you all stay the same and have the same drive and motivation!

[@terry6836]

That's my cousin

[@ccss5438]

Same shes such a beautiful smart young lady I really truly hope she is kicking butt and taking names!

[@AshTrizey]

Watching from Canada 🇨🇦. Much respect to the kids trying to live positive lives and to the principal supporting them. Going to visit New Zealand 🇳🇿 next year.

[@Mathilda5xp]

The Principal at JCH school is strict, yet so caring! The teachers are also amazing!

[@jackyjac476]

The principal is so passionate and truly cares for his students!!Mad respect!!

[@awh1242]

The Principal is spot on "the most important thing for the kids here is that the teachers get up everyday and give them hope that education is going to give them a life." Key word being hope, because that's the biggest deficit, there's a sense that things can't and won't get better. I went to Papakura High from 2001 to 2005 and experienced a lot of what these kids have gone through. I loved my time at the school, I had amazingly supportive teachers who made a huge difference and helped counter the narrative of despair. I managed to go on to university, have an interesting and meaningful career, and live the kind of life I could have only dreamed of as a kid. Thanks to all of the teachers and staff who believed in me and helped me believe in myself.

[@titusthetadig3145]

wish australia had principals that cared bout islanders

[@czr45z94]

Titus Thetadig only time they care about us is when they wanna use us for rugby

[@titusthetadig3145]

BRØTHĒR ÇHÃ0PØ BPMK straight up uce

[@geromyk3151]

Most schools do but we don’t have populations large enough to sustain these type of events yes events are held but communities in australia are very dysfunctional

[@geromyk3151]

Titus Thetadig not even Native aborigines get much recognition big ups to nz loving to see cultural expression

[@Djshava]

Titus Thetadig there are some who does care 4 us trust me i had it hard in my school days not evertime u would get someone who will care

[@EsElTee-2021]

What a lovely documentary. Cried and smiled at the ending. Such a lovely principal this school is lucky to have. ❤️

[@knormanyo]

I wish I had teachers and a principal that had such a strong interest in its students such a good thing too see. I hope they are all achieving and flourishing.

[@livelife6457]

The youth featured in this documentary were strong, diverse, just amazing. Beautiful leaders, exciting future.

[@vant3a]

rip I’m the only islander in my school. Great documentary~

[@josephking7219]

I went to Papakura Intermediate. I can resonate with these students. My cousins went to Papakura High. 🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇 School. I miss kapahaka. Much love and respect to Papakura High. ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ My indigenous brothers and sisters.

[@laioneukamea]

Tongan from America this is a very great video!

[@kayeth2391]

As a student who attends papakura high and is going to be a year 12 this year its so good to see the history of the school and it really does feel like home even with the fights and drama in it and most of the teachers are very supportive ❤

[@igrand6473]

Go get it kids, don’t let anything hold you back.

[@tgangyahknow8734]

I went to rosehill college not to far away from this school. Had all the respect in the world for all schools in kura it was us against everyone. Loved every moment growing up lot of life lessons learned wouldnt trade that time in kura for anything in this world.

[@rongli4350]

Really moved by this principal! I hope there is a continuous story about that school. Teachers work hard for these young as well! Awesome!

[@01echo_papa_slay45]

Had me in my feelings watching this. Brought back so many memories I hadn't thought about in years, even made me start pondering moving home in the next few years & revisiting working with our youth back home. Awesome work papakura!

[@FrancesVehikite]

Love this! We need more amazing Principals like Mr Rohs 🙌🏽

[@kittyk864]

This makes me wish I was a better student, a better teenager. I ruined that! Oblivious to support systems around me! Now I’m living it’s consequences of being unstable. I’m proud of these students in these clips! 🙏 and having the most supportive person of another culture behind them is just beyond me 💙❤️💗

[@jesaminetehuia9098]

It's not too late to reach out to help find the right pathway. You're not unstable - you just haven't found it yet until now. Identifying your need is the first step - the next step is up to you. Kia kaha e hine. You're almost there. It's not too late. 🌈

[@ngamokonikora708]

John Rohs I remember 30 years when he was an English teacher at Lytton High School, 30 years ago. An absolute gentleman and totally dedicated to his students. With those attributes I can see why he’s leading a school as diverse as Papakura High School.

[@xx7093]

WHAT A PRINCIPLE!!!!👍👍👍👍💯💯💯

[@raineenzaroha2651]

Amazing our wonderful PI /Maori future generations. Great video

[@solleilua]

Even though this doc was from 2017 but this is our first time seeing this. WELL DONE and we enjoyed watching, thank you for sharing. Prayers up to the Principal and all the staff that help our children, blessings to you all and for the students hope nothing but the best for your future 💯 Kia Kaha! Proud of you all! Aroha 💖

[@Mathilda5xp]

Beautiful. Stay blessed. ♥

[@jieyu1415]

Positive papakura! Positive papakura high school! Very touched vedio. Absolutely agree with education change people’s life! Amazing school and people! Very proud of them! We should support them as a community

[@wally07]

One of the better things the NZ Herald has put together

[@yanlin4738]

Coming from someone who goes to a school near-ish central Auckland, it is definitely interesting and inspiring to see from another perspective. Thank you nzherald for this wonderful documentary. :)

[@livelife6457]

Amazing courage this principle allowed the cameras in his school and for others to see life through their eyes.

[@redskysaturn75]

these girls , all beautiful, no make up not needed, wish i had grew up with such good company

[@Rosalea03]

So supportive and he’s correct if you set the standard everyone will follow suit...

[@dundunmai2492]

there is ssssssoooooo much aroha in that school I am from another country but I have worked and volunteered my time within the school and the community it's a great school in my personal opinion...

[@3four4door59]

Mad love to my Nana's ex the only white man I really grew up with yet the only man that tried to teach me hard work and values. Shout out to Makkah from the lion brewery new market. This principal reminds me of his values.

[@joshuaellery6167]

Jayden sounds so serious, you should ha e seen him off camera. He was the funniest and he punched me in the balls so hard that I couldn't walk right for a week.

[@summerstone9725]

joshua ellery oh💀-

[@sunnysamuel2431]

I use to wonder all the time wat I wanted to do with my life and I never really found it, done all sorts of different jobs mainly factory work, but if I could turn back time I would do alot more academically and take life way more seriously and tryn be centred in something specific occupational wise to be the absolute best at it in the world.

[@hcpunkrockhxxx9247]

Never feel sorry, it was a part of your life's journey. And you're never too old to study and learn a new profession or other things in life. Look at me I'm middle aged and started a new education. After leaving my boss for 18 years, fed up working for a boss and want to start my own business.. There are many things that i could do.. We'll see but Sunny Samuel: you are never too old... Just do it.. Good luck and GODbless

[@OkinInc]

HC PunkRockhxx Great advice bro. It’s never too late. Wish you success brah!

[@hcpunkrockhxxx9247]

@@OkinInc Oh thank you. It's true: you can learn/study your whole life, i always will do that, to develop my self on all levels: creative, intellectual, spiritual. Take care, GODBless all of you

[@hcpunkrockhxxx9247]

@ Sunny Samuel Now with AI /Cyborgs start playing more important role in society (whether we like it or not), one has to already start thinking about what current jobs are going to be replaced by those robots? Please think in opportunities 💡 Every human being have talents (some still undiscovered), you have to find out what your strong points are? what job you would like to do? Maybe 2 different jobs, if you're like me and do alot of different things... ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE. GODbless You 🙏🏽

[@anaedwards6451]

He seems cool I went to papakura high school when Mrs Appleby was the principal. Not saying she was bad but we hardly saw her and she didn't show interest like Mr Ross. Nice to see things there have progressed since I left (16 years ago now)

[@garycooper6947]

Thank you jesus from new Zealand island s

[@kanhogantoomagatuala6501]

“Being Tongan or Samoan is not rlly Useful in the world"I’m sure rugby forward Coaches would say otherwise 😂🇼🇸🇹🇴❤️🔥💯

[@AreLL]

shout out to all the main characters on this lil documentary ... love and prayers to you and yours...

[@helenatogo9057]

We lived 2 doors down, can I just say that the mana that came from your daily practises preping for polyfest was absolutely glorious! Sent chills down our spines whenever we sat down to eat dinner. LOVED IT!! You kids are meke, keep striving for the best, be the best you can be, aim for the stars and dont let anyone or anything stop you.. Kia kaha Kia manuia xx #HaatiKura

[@msrobyn82]

The world needs more Mr Rohs. Your doing a great job Principal. It shows with your students. Keep up the good work to all. Much love from OZ 👍🏽❤

[@tbandz-eight32]

Glad my old man got us off the streets & out the hood. Now it's MASSEY WEST!!! 832 WA.

[@kumeroapaul7198]

Far out that school has change heaps when I was there back in 2001 it was cool in my days & looking at it now it's like totally different in a good way I would love to go back there and teach

[@h-leilaa1295]

Exactly no excuse for failing due to gangs etc my cousin uses that as his excuse still and he's 30 yrs old he just chose that life still could choose to do better but won't , your principal and students are absolutely inspiring and amazing

[@nakz_zz]

Leila A then you help your cousin realise that he can change and help him, you don't mock him on KZbin

[@nakz_zz]

It's not to late especially coming out of a gang everyone can change

[@undercover1921]

This principal is a smart man!!

[@Liz_1981]

Kura ✊ Awesome video NZ Herald & inspiring video to all. Loved watching my niece Wendy you'll always be a great rolemodel & inspiration to your many cousin's Wendy good girl loves to you 😍😍😍

[@1Huia]

What an amazing Principal

[@himalayan8315]

big ups to the principal well done.kia Ora e te Matua,Pai tou mahi!!

[@howhardisit1]

Need more principals like him

[@Iherdit2day]

The first time I have seen this show, great admiration for the principal John Rohs and staff. I hope the students are continuing on track with their dreams. Arohamai

[@megv2272]

Love this! Need more videos like this. Really good insight and amazing individuals

[@danielmafileo4078]

Great documentary. Hope and pray that those kids are doing well and big ups to the principal💯💯♥️

[@msterrinfromtiktok3194]

what a great headteacher, he is doing great things for his school

[@danielcassidy362]

Inspirational, the power of hope and belief. Awesome

[@Rosalea03]

What an amazing principal great environment your creating...

[@makalaka123]

LOVE THE HOPE AND VISION FOR PAPAKURA HIGH!!

[@polynesian_tingz906]

Y'all got some interesting videos on here nzherald. Ka Pai 👌👌🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@Jovan3167]

Good stuff guys.

[@SuperHooLiGAn84]

Pretty cool doc.. I hope john rohs achieve's his goals with the school.. we got a lot of talented kids in south auckland who need a lil bit of direction.. not too many principles out there who go that lil bit extra to get the best out of school students.

[@annewoia586]

Awesome Doc - For it's Realness and all main Subjects

[@bradmarls8294]

John wasn't new to the Maori and south Pacific Islands as he was the former principal from Christchurch of Aranui High so he got his basis to where he is today and he will lift this school that every student and teacher will want to attend.

[@notoriousjatt1only]

Well done to Dear Principal John Rohs great job and a great person.

[@camflanagan3476]

Awesome piece on some very beautiful people. Great stuff!

[@Kosmo999]

Amazing video and what incredible people.

[@occultnefertiti3853]

Well done to the students whom strive for a better future.

[@taniaallen2055]

I have Respect for both the Head Prefects of Papakura High School

[@charmrio9002]

This video is so inspirational & the motivation it gave me is so amazing. I would have loved to come to this school ❤️ great job guys

[@livelife6457]

Awesome kids with their heads on straight known what they want, all because of their school. Great job Mr Rohs!

[@flopkient2028]

He is a former principal of Aranui High School and loved both his students and their culture!

[@dundunmai2492]

omg I just saw my holiday program boss and my extended adopted family and myself in the background gosh

[@685foLYF]

Awesome kids ! Nice doco. Proud Polys!! :)

[@livelife6457]

Good on u Jayden an awesome example to many young people.

[@a111oveWrldWde]

Thank You! 😃

[@pueamueli3741]

Miss papakura best place I've ever worked it beautiful clip

[@teebrinner5939]

What a wonderful story

[@christineemma1619]

What a fantastic principal.

[@fleebwoodmac]

Hey, does anyone know where I could listen to the song from the end credits? It sounds as though (based on the lyrics) that it's a student's song, and I'd love to support them by listening and sharing.

[@fae1932]

AMAZING Principal 🙏

[@teritodom6712]

Mad respect staying on point..Takanini to Kura

[@chanceangelroseofficial8253]

What a cool principal.

[@awatai6454]

He’s a great man 👏🏽☺️

[@jasonhiku7195]

Awesome 👏👏👏

[@WickedWaiata]

Before I lived in Papakura, I went to Aorere College and there were two guys who I went to school with that were destined for greatness. One was constantly in trouble with Police and the other couldn't speak English. The first guy ended up winning the K1 kickboxing world championship and became a UFC superstar. The second ended up being the first chinese speaking real estate in New Zealand and became a millionaire. Its not where you come from - its what you make of what God given talents you have.

[@monjier]

AO kinda doesn't count though. It's a pretty decent school

[@nicinac3401]

Well done. I really liked the way you did the ending.

[@leburger5160]

I went to this high school when I was younger, it sounds like it has definitely gotten better since then. when I went there, it was a terrible experience for me...

[@lukemayo5325]

Love this ❤️

[@Jade-oi3wp]

We need polyfest back! :( its sad to know I got to experience all the mana but my sister only 4 years younger will never know just how much kids came together for a polyfest performance 😭

[@nikomanus2740]

Song please!!! At the end

[@jesssmith2064]

I could’ve used this guy when I was at school…. and some of these teachers 💛

[@djhonotimi1048]

Respect ☝

[@ADNZ35]

Follow up story would be great, particularly regarding ministry commitment to improving the environment in which these kids strive to learn. Frustrating now when you see how much was spent on that "green school".

[@joyclark8439]

Mihinui Kia Koe e te Rangatira. Very good man this.

[@wheelchaircrashtest]

Papakura and its people will always be part of me number 3 squadron air training at papakura army base Miss my friends from those years The young guy I shared a dormer with was a few years older He was a army translation specialist he was wounded in veitnam on duty Hardest thing to pack his gear without him for the boss Never ever doubt the mana of your village is strong Be kind cause a grevious random act of kindness every day 65 year old cadet that fainted on parade Anzac day at 13 in heat that even solders in arms went down it was so so hot 🔥 Thank you for picking me and my side drum up Carrying me to a shady tree And saving this 13 year olds life

[@sonative3783]

Amazing amazing

I went to this school (i'm in my 40's now) .. have nothing but good memories of it.

[@memesflowi]

Back then verse now is different.

[@nzrockboi]

The right principal for the job 👍👍👍

[@AT-wn1vh]

Good on you Principal Rohs !!

[@haroldtia4608]

This is awesome 👋

[@tevitafoheko638]

Wow inspirational 👌🏽👌🏽

[@rosenarikihana8554]

Red yesterday love Miss you have homi