This term Te Pā o Rākaihautū have been continuing to explore our own hapori.

Our Atua Matua term focus has been on wai tai, with a focus on whakapapa. The junior school focused on the whakapapa of anga. We traveled to Ohikaparuparu to learn the history of Tuawera. We learnt about the kōrero based on the rangatira Turakipō whose whole hapu was killed by eating a whale that was cursed. Cave Rock today is a reminder of this history as it is in the shape of a whale. Our tamariki were able to contribute and understand this kōrero by having this place-based experience. We included whakatinana in haerenga by having the tamariki explore the rocky shore and walk from Sumner to Scarborough. Focusing on the environment has been an important way to reconnect whānau with our places, communities, history and traditions.