We're looking forward to the unveiling and blessing of the Tāheke name and design for our Library in Term 2.

The name Tāheke was gifted to our whare pukapuka at Te Puna Wai o Waipapa by Mātauraka Mahaanu, an organisation mandated to operate on behalf of Ngāi Tahu, in this case specifically Ngāi Tūāhuriri, supporting local kura in developing location-based cultural narratives. Ka nui te mihi ki a koutou, e te mana whenua, i runga i te koha o ēnei ingoa ātaahua.

Te Puna Wai o Waipapa, Hagley College’s given Māori name, refers to the natural springs that were an important source of fresh water for tangata whenua. The name Tāheke continues this theme of water and translates to waterfall, which this design represents. As well as the waterfall, the design shows the wind coming over the mountains and the colours of the plains and the harbour. The dark grey creature with the eye is a representation of native birds indigenous to Waitaha.

The name Tāheke and the design reference the flow of water, the essence of life, and in this place, Te Puna Wai o Waipapa, where knowledge, ideas and enjoyment flow down and refresh. It reflects our Mission Statement in providing learning that is accessible to all. Our valuing of diversity and difference is represented by the individual drops of water which come together as one.

Te Tauihu o te Waka

We're also excited by the prospect of developing a design to reflect the Ngāi Tahu given name for our Student Centre. Te Tauihu o te Waka means the bow or figurehead of the canoe. Like Tāheke, we're looking forward to Te Tauihu o te Waka becoming prominent signage on the building as well as in how we refer to these important spaces at Te Puna Wai o Waipapa.

Over the next 18 months, Tāheke and Tauihu will be joined by our two large new learning hubs, Auripo and Wainuku, at the front of the school. All are linked to Te Puna Wai o Waipapa, Hagley College’s given Māori name.