With the opening of a 7th class we think it is timely to share the meanings of each class name.

OROMAHOE SCHOOL 

NGĀ AKOMANGA INGOA/CLASS NAMES

Room 1 - Ruma Koropepe (The Mythical Eel/ Fish)

Koropepe is an eel-type fish, a mythical guardian. (pronounced cor-or-pep-eh) It is a symbol of new beginnings and youth, prosperity and abundance.The koropepe is thought to represent the curled eel which was one of the main protein sources hundreds of years back in Maori history. Many koropepe have a coiled appearance with bird-like heads. These heads are said to possess its spiritual power. The design is a relatively modern form as no ancient examples have been found.

Room 2 - Ruma Koru Iti (Spiral)

Koru is the Maori word for “loop” and refers to new shoots of the silver fern. The spiral shaped koru design is derived from this unfolding silver fern frond. The circular movement towards an inner coil refers to ‘going back to the beginning’. The unfurling frond itself is symbolic for new life, new beginnings, hope, perfection, rebirth, a new start, awakening, personal growth, purity, nurturing, a new phase (in life), the spirit of rejuvenation, and peace. The koru design, often worn as a necklace but present in many cultural expressions, is an integral symbol in Maori art forms. Both on itself as well as incorporated in more intricate designs such as carvings and Maori facial tattoos.

Room 3 - Ruma Roimata (Tear Drop)

Indicates healing and comfort, reassurance, and positive energy. Often called a comfort stone. The teardrop symbol is also referred to as the comfort stone. Roimata stands for healing and comfort, positive energy, reassurance. The drop is a stylized version of the toki and signifies strength, power, pride, and independence.

Drop - Symbolizes strength, power, pride, and independence.

Room 4- Ruma Toki (Adze)

Toki is the Maori tribal symbol of strength. This symbol resembles determination, control, strength and focus honor. Its shape represents an axe head. The toki (adze) was used by the Maori as a everyday working tool for shaving and chipping and sometimes as a weapon. Special, ornate adzes were traditionally carved in stone and passed down as a heirloom.

The Toki had much meaning to the Maori, fashioned from stone or greenstone it was an essential tool for survival and day to day life. That’s the reason the toki has the spiritual meaning of strength and power.

 Room 5 - Ruma Matau (Fish Hook)

Originally the Maori have been fishermen. Their main food source was the sea so a fish hook of high quality was a valuable item to possess. Worn around the neck the hook became a symbol of prosperity, abundance, good health, power, authority, and respect for the sea and its life in it. It is also believed to provide good luck and safety while travelling over water.

The Maori fish hook symbol refers to being dependent on the sea for their food gathering. The matau is a talisman for good luck.

Room 6 - Ruma Poria

Poria,  Kaka poria, (bird leg rings ), historically kaka used to be working pets - Maori used to put poria on Kaka to have them on leads, then take them into the bush to draw the other Kaka down from the trees, which they would then catch - like a lure bird. The other layer to the poria is they were adornment but also practical; traditionally you wore your tools around your neck. 

Room 7   Ruma Ngaru -wave

Symbolic of strength, the journey of life, multiple waves moving together as whanau.