Te reo Māori (the Māori language) is indigenous to Aotearoa New Zealand. It is a taonga, or treasure, recognised under the Treaty of Waitangi, an official language of New Zealand and a part of the New Zealand curriculum.

At Upper Harbour Primary School we value the use of Te reo Māori in all contexts.

• Teachers use Level 1 and 2 of the New Zealand curriculum to teach the Māori language. At this introductory level, our students begin by learning simple words, phrases, songs and greetings in Te Reo Māori. This might include introducing themselves, talking about their family, and describing everyday objects and activities.

• As students progress to Level 2, they expand their vocabulary and begin to construct more complex sentences. They learn to express their thoughts, feelings, and needs more clearly in Te Reo Māori. They also engage in conversations, ask questions, and follow instructions in the language. At this level, we delve deeper into Tikanga Māori, exploring practices such as pōwhiri (welcome ceremonies) and the understanding of tapu (sacredness).

• Learners are also introduced to fundamental concepts of Tikanga Māori, such as manaakitanga (hospitality and respect) and whānaungatanga (relationships and connections), which are woven into their daily interactions.

Students are encouraged to use Te Reo Māori in a variety of settings, both in the classroom and beyond. By learning te reo and becoming increasingly familiar with tikanga, learners are stretched cognitively, can think in different ways and value others values, ideas, knowledge or perspectives.

UHPS Karakia and Waiata

We begin each day with karakia and waiata in our school amphitheatre. Along with our karakia, Whakataka te Hau, learners also practice waiata which we can then sing together. You can see our growing list of waiata by clicking below.