Noku te Ao Winning a Prime Minister’s Education Excellence Award in 2014 — Noku Te Ao. Confident children, a different way of learning, and encouraging students to own their world were the philosophies that drove their vision. by Education Gazette

Whakapapa. Our Back Story.

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Te Pā o Rākaihautū was established by Te Ahikaaroa Kapa haka, a Christchurch based kapa haka that started in 1993 with strong roots in our Ngāi Tahu communities.

Members of the group share a common passion for kapa haka, whānau and education. In 2002 Te Ahikaaroa opened its own early childhood centre, Nōku Te Ao, which literally means "the world is mine!" 

Based in Ōtautahi, the centre has established a reputation of excellence, quality and innovation in Māori medium education, winning the national Prime Minister's Excellence Award for Governance in 2014 and Te Tohu Matauranga 2015 at the Te Taura Whiri Maori Language Awards for innovation in Māori medium education.

In response to community demand and the persistent and substantial Māori under-achievement in our education system Nōku te Ao decided to expand by opening asecond centre and extending its operations beyond early childhood.

A committed team of parents sought to:

Reframe the problem - shifting the focus from “how do we build a better school” to “how can we achieve better learning outcomes”; 

Redefine how, where and when learning happens best for our whānau; and 

Redesign or “Learn-scape” the whole learning experience and environment by translating our goals, stories, learning philosophies and values into learning experiences, buildings, facilities and learning spaces that will bring our pā wānanga to life.

Te Pā o Rākaihautū opened its doors in 2015 and is set to play an important role in the rebuild of Christchurch city. Māori education was in crisis before the earthquakes. 

We have an unparalleled opportunity now to rebuild not what was, but what can be in a 21st century city. It is in this context that we believe the timing is right for what we are doing