This year, Aquinas has established a Ngā Manukura Tutor Group to give interested tauira the chance to deepen their engagement with kaupapa Māori.

The group, led by Matua Tuwharetoa Hapi and Whaea Trudie Ririnui, meets in the whare during the regular Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8.40 a.m. tutor class times. The aim is for students to explore the connection between Mātauranga Māori and the principles of Catholicism and use it to enrich their learning and personal growth.

They will take part in a range of Kaupapa Māori engagement from Mahi toi (art/craft), Taonga Puoro (music), Karakia (prayer), Whanaungatanga, wānanga, and a noho marae (overnight marae stay).

As part of its practice in Tikanga, the group plans to have regular Friday breakfasts. Akonga split into small House teams to prepare menus, such as the delicious fresh summer fruits, hot pancakes, dips and sausage rolls served by the Browne House team in week four. It has been a delight to see our tuakana (senior) and teina (junior) students work hand in hand.

He nunui te mihi ki a mātou whānau Manukura mo te tautoko i te kaupapa pai.