Message from Tony

It has been so nice to see the sun shining this week as Spring has arrived. The school is a busy hive of activity, and the highlight has been the opening of our new playspaces and waharoa/entrance gateway.

This project was fully funded by our Board as part of our strategic focus on enhancing outdoor learning and play areas. We are an incredibly fortunate school community to be able to do this, and it is courtesy of the income we receive from venue hire, international students and some funding advantages of being part of the PPP (public private partnership) school model.

Tūrangawaewae ~ Our Place

The waharoa (gateway) depicts the origin of our school name “Te Ao Mārama” - the world of light and understanding.

Te Ao Mārama was created when Tāne Mahuta (Māori god of the forest and birds) separated his Sky Father Ranginui and Earth Mother Papatūānuku to create a world of light and life. 

The waharoa also includes the 9 stars of Matariki, and mokomoko (lizard) which are considered kaitiaki (guardians) by Ngāti Wairere. Some of the design work also relates to our school whakatauki (proverb) Whiria te tāngata (Weave the people together).

The playspace design is inspired by our cultural narrative and relationship with local iwi, Ngāti Wairere. It incorporates our pepeha (form of introduction that helps to establish identity, heritage & connection to our place)

• Ko Taupiri te maunga - Taupiri is our mountain
• Ko Waikato te awa - Waikato is our river
• Ko Tainui te waka - Tainui is our waka
• Ko Waikato te iwi - Waikato is our local Māori tribe 
• Ko Ngāti Wairere te hapū - Ngāti Wairere is local sub-tribe 
• Ko Hukanui ko Tauhei nga marae - Hukanui & Tauhei are our marae 

Kind regards,

Tony