Welcome to Maori

Te Reo Māori me ona Tikanga.   The Maori language and its customs.

Ko taku nui, taku wehi, taku whakatiketike, Ko tōku reo. My self-respect, my dignity, my stature come from my language. Kāretu (1990)

Te reo Māori is indigenous to Aotearoa New Zealand. It is a taonga (treasure), recognized as part of the Treaty of Waitangi, a primary source of our Nation’s self knowledge and identity, and an official language. By understanding and using te reo Māori, New Zealanders become more aware of the role played by the indigenous language and people in defining and asserting our point of difference in the wider world. By learning te reo and becoming increasingly familiar with tikanga, all students strengthen their identities and journey towards shared cultural understandings.

 All who learn te reo Māori help to secure its future as a living, dynamic, and rich language, which makes us all the more richer as people of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Te reo Māori Language Learning contexts.

There are 8 levels of Language Learning Contexts described in the Te reo Māori in the New Zealand Curriculum. This course of study explores themes, topics, and achievement objectives that reinforce the following language modes;

• Whakarongo/ Kōrero (Listening/Speaking)
• Pānui /Tuhituhi (Reading/Writing)
• Whakaari /Mātakitaki (Viewing/Presenting)

Topics covered include:

• Greetings/Farewells
• Marae – Pōwhiri/Mihi Whakatau
• Mihi
• Karakia (Prayer), Waiata (Songs)
• Kiwaha (Feelings), Whakatauki (Proverbs)
• Myths/Legends)
• Nama (Number)
• Maramataka (Calendar)
• Kura (Classroom)
• Āhuatanga (Weather)
• Kai/Hangi (Food)
• Tinana (Body)

Learning begins in Year 7 and sequential learning builds on each year level after that, increasing and extending the learning and knowledge. If a student chooses Te reo Māori as an NCEA subject, it is a prerequisite they have taken Te reo as an option in year 9 & 10.

 Experiences

Students have their own learning space our Whare, which is a vibrant warm environment in which to learn. We are a whanau who support each other in our learning. Great times are had at Manu Kōrero, (Māori Speech Competitions), visits to the Marae for Pōwhiri, expo days to highlight careers, Museum visits, speakers invited to our Wharenui, Polyfest and the Pōnamu Awards to name some of the highlights of each year.

Students also are encouraged to be a part of our Kapahaka group to enhance their learning.