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Whanau Approach to Learning

Our Whanau Learning environment has been co-constructed to enhance our supportive school culture. This is about establishing inclusive learning opportunities within a Whanau (Family) type structure. This learning environment we believe enriches our school’s culture through mixed social and academic engagement, that enables progress and achievement through collaborative approaches that fosters respect for self and others.

As a school we are privileged to work with and have a close partnership with Ngati Whakaue kaumatua. This relationship benefits all our students as residents of Rotorua in having a positive understanding of local iwi, local history and traditional Maori tikanga. ‘From Knowledge and awareness grows understanding and respect’.

Whanau Koromatua

The Koromatua, Te Roro o te Rangi, Tunohopu, Pukaki, Taeotu, Hurungaterangi and Te Rangiiwaho (our specialist team) are recognised as the six main ancestors from who all of Ngati Whakaue descends. Each of these ancestors are chiefs in their own right and are recognised for the mana that they brought to Ngati Whakaue and indeed, all of Te Arawa.

Whanau Vision

“To enable all learners to walk tall with the knowledge of our mana, our identity and our place in our world. Every learner will feel valued and have a sense of belonging through success in physical, social, cultural, academic experiences, connecting to the legacy of our Koromatua.”

Te Roro o Te Rangi Whanau

Te Roro o Te Rangi was the eldest son of Ariariterangi and was a fierce warrior and strong leader of his people. Te Roro o Te Rangi was also a man of great courage and compassion. During a battle on the lakes edge of Sulphur Point, he uttered a powerful whakatauaki to his people

“Ruia taitea, ruia taitea, kia tu ko kaha ko ahau anake – Peel away the bark and outer softwood to reveal the hardwood at the heart of the tree, myself. Let those who are afraid leave now. If needs be, I alone will face the enemy”

The famous battle where Te Roro o Te Rangi lost his life was known as Tawharakurupeti, after the area within the grounds of the Government Gardens where the battle took place. In Te Roro o Te Rangi Whanau we stand together to support the social, cultural and academic development of all learners by giving them opportunities to collaborate, learn from each other, and build strong relationships.

 
 
 
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Taeotu Whanau

Our Whanau is named after Taeotu (Grandson of Tunohopu) who was a great Ngati Whakaue leader at a time of peace.

Our Vision is to encourage a COLLABORATIVE learning environment of DISCOVERY where all learners have a sense of BELONGING and EMBRACE our cultural diversity.

“Ka puta nei au ki Taeotu mokai kaka ko au anake”
“I have escaped all dangers and returned to place peace on the land” (Tunohopu)

 
 
 
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Hurungaterangi Whanau

Our Whanau is Hurungaterangi. We are named after one of the Ngati Whakaue Koromatua (Descendants of Tutanekai). Hurungaterangi was the brave son of a chief who stood up and regained mana for his iwi through his courageous actions.

The vision for our whanau is to nurture active participants who fulfill their potential as valuable members of their community.

“Kotahi ano nga rau o matou kotahi, he ngahere matou”
“Individually we are one leaf, together we are a forest”

 
 
 
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Pukaki Whanau

Pukaki Whanau is immensley proud to be named after Ngati Whakaue Koromatua Pukaki, renowned warrior and leader. Pukaki born at Kaiweka at Mokoia Island, was the son of Taiwere, brother of Ariariterangi, and Tamiuru, a daughter of Te Takinga of Ngati Pikiao.

Pukaki Whanau’s vision for our students centres around student engagement. Student engagement is a driver of student achievement and our Whanau strives to provide opportunities that will enable every student in our whanau to have a long term love of learning – that they view learning as fun, see it as important, see the value of working with others and place importance on being part of a whanau and wider school community.

“Kaua e rangiruatia te hapai o te hoe; e kore to tatou waka e u ki uta”
“Do not lift the paddle out of unison or our canoe will never reach the shore”

 
 
 
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Tunohopu Whanau

Through Whanaungatanga we aim to develop culturally responsive, productive members of society confident in their identity. Through our unique curriculum contexts will develop students who value Māori ways of knowing, being and learning. We hope to strengthen in them the characteristics that will help them to be successful in whatever life paths they choose. We expect to collaborate with students and their Whānau to create meaningful learning experiences to enrich their learning lives and make them hopeful for their futures.

“Hei aha au te mate noa ake, i taku pa karito ka tupu” Na Tunohopu
“And what if I should die, when my legacy, my descendants live on” said Tunohopu

This whakatauki is about resilience and service. Our ancestor Tunohopu left his people to go to Taupo to rescue his son Taioperua, who had been kidnapped and was presumed dead. His iwi, Ngāti Whakaue, were distraught and pleaded with him not to go. In his address to them he spoke the above words, reassuring them that even if something happened to him, they were his ‘pa karito’, his descendants, his legacy. Their lives would go on and the mahi that he did would be carried on through them.

 
 
 
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