Let's have a look at all the fun the Te Puea whānau have had starting back at school. Our Te Puea house leaders are Pranisha Chhetri and Elizabeth Halaleva

Te Puea Whānau are named after Te Kirihaehae Te Puea Hērangi,(Princess Te Puea)

Who is Princess Te Puea?

Te Puea Hērangiwas a Māori leader from New Zealand's Waikato region known by the name Princess Te Puea. Her mother, Tiahuia, was the elder sister of King Mahuta.

Te Puea emerged as a leader during the First World War. She opposed the government’s policy of conscripting Māori for war service, at a time when Tainui still felt bitterness about the invasion and confiscation of their lands. 

After the war Te Puea helped set up a Tainui settlement at Ngāruawāhia, and a new marae called Tūrangawaewae. For the King Movement this was a new centre and a new focus, and the settlement gradually took on the flavour of a ‘national marae’. Te Puea hosted several European politicians and dignitaries there, helping to restore the national status of the Kīngitanga.

Why was his name chosen for one of our whanau?

All our whanau are named after NZ Maori who have shown leadership and excelled in their different talents and passions. Awesome achievement is our number 1 value here at Addington and Te Puea definitely did that, as an exceptional leader, and as a woman. She is someone we can aspire to be by following our Addington ABCs. Who knows.....maybe in years to come someone will name a school whanau/house after you!

I hope you have enjoyed learning more about our whanau.