By black and red, together it is done

This whakataukī was used to stimulate the energetic qualities of people, and to extol the virtues of co-operative effort. Whero refers to the kōkōwai - a mixture of shark oil and red ochre - which was smeared on the body of the chief. The common people looked dark by comparison. This saying means that only by the united labour of chiefs and commoners can the task be accomplished. Leadership in our school community is an individual and group activity, and this whakataukī puts the completion of the task before the social hierarchy of the chiefs. We work side by side to complete the task - kia oti ai te mahi!