Dunedin musician and teacher Hiliako Iaheto aims to reduce the stress of that milestone by holding a new orientation event with live school bands.
The inaugural Southern Fresh Inter-High Orientation event for intermediate and secondary school pupils will be held at Bathgate Park School in Dunedin on February 10.
``It acts as both a farewell to students as they go on to intermediate or high school and a rite of passage where they meet new
``For those coming into intermediate or high school, it can be quite a daunting experience for them.
``It's really just about helping them get to know their new surroundings, who's who and what goes where.
``The message of the event is just be the best world citizen that you can be.
``I guess in our world right now, more than ever, we need love and compassion.''
Mr Iaheto said the event was free and open to all intermediate and secondary pupils and their families.
Up to six bands from schools across the city have confirmed they will perform, including Bark Like A Dog, which has risen to prominence on the iTunes Top 40 in recent months.
He hoped the orientation event would become an annual event and could be developed to include a popular national musician in the future.
