Tōku kura, tōku tiketike, tōku haepapa ko Te Whatukura o Papanui kua tau nei!
Te Whānau o Te Whatukura o Papanui is dedicated to fostering passion, unity, and pride in te ao Māori.
History of the Wharenui
The story of our wharenui, Te Whatukura o Papanui, began in 2005 with its opening. Its original carvings were the masterwork of carver George Edwards (Kāi Tahu, Kati Irakehu), created with the help of the school's own students. Sadly, time, weather, and earthquakes took their toll, severely damaging these treasured pieces.
To preserve the profound legacy of George Edwards, who passed away in 2018, a restoration was set in motion. This was more than a repair; it was a spiritual renewal. In 2025, the damaged original carvings were ceremonially buried and returned to Papatūānuku (Mother Earth) and their mauri (life force) and wairua (spirit) were transferred into re-imagined forms. Crafted from enduring steel and a tekoteko carved from 200-year-old tōtara, the new works by artist and carver Damian Mackie (Ngāti Kura) ensure that the mana of Te Whatukura o Papanui stands strong and proud once more.
Te Whānau o Te Whatukura o Papanui delivers learning programmes through a Kaupapa Māori framework. Students enrolled in the Year 9 or Year 10 Kaupapa Māori core class study the following subjects:
- Te Reo Māori
- Māori Performing Arts
- Te reo Pākehā (English)
- Pāngarau (Mathematics)
- Tikanga-a-Iwi (Social Science)
- Pūtaiao (Science)
- Te rēhia (Physical Education)
Key Subjects (Year 9–13)
| Subject | Curriculum Focus |
| Te Reo Māori | Y9: Focuses on conversational reo Māori appropriate for school and home life, including communicating about personal information (iwi, hapū, mountain, river). Y10: Students extend oral pepeha/mihimihi and read/write sentences in Te Reo Māori. Y13: Students can take part in general conversation and discuss their own ideas in te reo Māori. |
| Māori Performing Arts (MPA) / Te Ao Haka | Y9-10 focuses on performance, learning waiata, waiata-ā-ringa, haka, and potentially poi. Emphasis is placed on historical context, correct technique, and cultural sensitivity. Y11 students demonstrate understanding of key features (e.g., wiri, takahi, pūkana, rere of poi). Y12/13 includes performing items like whakaraka and demonstrating knowledge of Tikanga. |
Co-curricular options are provided to enhance cultural skills and engagement.
- Kapa Haka: The group performs at events such as Tūhono, Waitaha Secondary Regionals, multicultural and community events.
- Performance Development: Students will refine their performance, leadership, and teaching skills by mentoring and co-tutoring junior kapa haka. Through this experience, they will develop confidence, cultural understanding, and rangatiratanga, demonstrating growth in both tikanga Māori and mentoring abilities while supporting the next generation of performers.
- Manu Kōrero: Students will enhance their oratory, leadership, and cultural skills through participation in Manu Kōrero. By crafting and delivering speeches, they will build confidence in te reo Māori, deepen their understanding of te ao Māori and demonstrate rangatiratanga through effective communication and inspiring others with the power of their words.
Enrolment and Contact
Contact Information: For information regarding Kaupapa Māori core classes or cultural participation, please contact Whaea Justine Pahau [email protected]
Phone: +64 3 352 6119
