Te Whakapapa o Tō Tātou Tohu
Te Whakapapa o Tō Tātou Tohu
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Looking out from Te Kura o Waihārara towards the maunga known as Wharekāpea and Tohoraha, we are reminded that our kura sits within a landscape rich in whakapapa, history and kōrero tuku iho.
Different kōrero are associated with the names Wharekāpea and Tohoraha, and both names continue to be carried within our rohe. Our wording honours these kōrero without seeking to settle a history that has been passed down through generations in different ways.
Rangaunu Harbour extends towards Kāimaumau and connects our tamariki and kura with Ngāi Takoto, our whānau and hapū, and the whenua, repo, wai and moana of this place.
At the centre of our tohu is the Pioke of Rangaunu. The Pioke represents the strength, identity and potential of our small kura. Although small, it moves with its own current and leaves a powerful wake.
Our tohu reflects our relationship with Ngāi Takoto, this whenua and moana, and the aspirations held for our tamariki. It reminds our uri to stand confidently in who they are, knowing where they come from and recognising the contribution they can make to their whānau, hapū, iwi and wider world.
Te Ingoa Waihārara | The Name Waihārara
Te Ingoa Waihārara | The Name Waihārara
The name Waihārara carries a macron over the second ā.
In 2023, during a Ngāi Takoto wānanga exploring local whakapapa, pepeha, mōteatea, karanga and the histories of the rohe, I noticed the name Waihārara written with a macron and asked about its use. Taimania Jones, who was supporting the wānanga through karanga, took the question further and checked the kōrero with her whānau.
That kōrero supported the understanding that Waihārara should be written with the macron.
I took this back to Te Poumarumaru, and the kura then completed the formal Ministry of Education process to restore the name Waihārara.
We recognise that many whānau have long known the kura as Waiharara School without the macron. Restoring the name Waihārara was not about dismissing that history, but about responding respectfully to the kōrero shared with us and carrying the name of this place with greater care.
For our kura, this has become an expression of rangatiratanga and of our responsibility to honour the kōrero tuku iho connected to Waihārara for the generations who come after us.
He Mihi | Acknowledgements
He Mihi | Acknowledgements
Our tohu was developed through collaboration with whānau past and present and reflects the identity, aspirations and collective thinking of our kura community.
We acknowledge the whānau who have entrusted us with their tamariki, the mana whenua who have sat alongside us at the Te Poumarumaru table, and the hapū and iwi who have shared kōrero, guidance and support.
Our tohu has been brought to life through that collective contribution and continues to carry our connection to the people and places of Te Hiku o Te Ika.
Nei rā te mihi maioha ki a koutou katoa.
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