On Monday Māpua School joined with mana whenua and members of our community to recognise the use the macron in the spelling of Māpua.

Māpua has joined more than 870 Te Reo Māori place names throughout the country to have a macron (tohutō) added to their official name. It was a great way to launch  Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori.

We celebrated with the community at Aranui Park on Monday in a ceremony that involved speeches, planting of flax, cake, and waiata.

For us as a school it is important to recognise the correct spelling of the name of the place that we're from, of Māpua vs Mapua,  The meanings of those two words are quite different. Without the macron it can mean tidal inundation or a kind of crying or sobbing, whereas 'Māpua' means a place of abundance. Definitely a much more appealing meaning!

You will notice the use of the macron (tohutō) increasing gradually around the school.  As new signage etc is produced, the correct spelling will gradually replace the old spelling.  Our tauira (students) are excited to be a part of this change, and we invite you to be a part of this learning with us.