Te Manu Taki (Māori Department)

Te Ao Haka is a subject that explores the cultural significance, history, and performance of haka within Māori tradition. It serves as a vehicle to reconnect students with Māori practices and traditions, catering to a wide range of skills and knowledge from Year 9 to Year 13. Students learn mātauranga (knowledge) about the purpose of various cultural items and engage with the performance of haka pōhiri, waiata ā-ringa, poi, mōteatea, haka, Māori weaponry, tāonga pūoro, and other key cultural elements. Through this subject, students not only express themselves creatively but also gain a deeper understanding of Māori values, language, and identity, as well as iwi-affiliated histories and performance styles. Te Ao Haka fosters group cohesion, while developing skills in choreography and performance, helping students appreciate the richness of Māori culture and its significance in New Zealand’s diverse society.

Te Reo Māori is offered from Year 9 to Year 13 it aims to promote the learning and revitalisation of the Māori language, fostering an understanding of its cultural and historical significance. Students develop skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing Te Reo Māori, while also gaining insights into Māori tikanga, traditions, and values. The subject provides a foundation for students to engage with Māori identity and heritage, enhancing their cultural awareness and respect for Māori perspectives. Te Reo Māori encourages students to connect with Aotearoa’s unique cultural landscape, supporting both personal growth and a deeper appreciation for the country’s diverse heritage, while fostering an understanding of the importance of a bi-cultural partnership in Aotearoa.

Whakairo is the traditional Māori art of carving. Students learn about the designs and symbols used in Māori carvings, such as those found on whare tūpuna (meeting houses) and taonga (treasures), and how they represent Māori beliefs, ancestry, and connections to nature. The course is available for students from Y9-Y13 where they explore the techniques used in carving and work with a range of materials like wood, paua and bone. The subject shows how whakairo is not just art, but a way of telling stories and expressing cultural identity, while also learning the tikanga practices associated with it. We operate under tikanga that is inclusive of both male and female carvers, creating a safe environment for practicing whakairo. This space is considered noa (free from restrictions), with the kumara plant, associated with the atua Rongomatane, symbolising the allowance for women to engage in carving.