Our Vision, Whakatauki, Values & Marae

Ko te Moemoeā – Our Vision

He marangai, tū ana te pāhukahuka, he iti Pioke, nō Rangaunu, he au tōna!
Like the little Pioke shark of Rangaunu, we may be small, but we move with strength and purpose through life’s currents.

This whakataukī symbolises the strength and resilience of our kura and community, rooted in our connection to the taiao and our collective identity. 

We stand strong in our identity, embrace learning opportunities, and uphold our role as Kaitiaki of our Taiao.

Our ākonga are inspired to learn, engaging in meaningful, high-quality learning experiences that are deeply connected to the culture, environment, and heritage of Te Hiku o te Ika-a-Māui.

Our Whakatauki

Whaia te iti kahurangi, ki te tūohu koe me he maunga teitei. 

Seek the treasure that you value most dearly, if you bow your head, let it be to a lofty mountain.

Our whakataukī, beautifully reinforces the core values of Ako, Rangatiratanga, and Kaitiakitanga, shaping the learning journey at Te Kura o Waihārara.

Core Values
At Te Kura ō Waihārara Kura, our values guide our daily practices and aspirations for our tamariki:

• Rangatiratanga: Encouraging leadership, self-determination, and the confidence to achieve as Māori.

• Kaitiakitanga: Instilling sustainable practices and respect for the environment.

• Ako: Embracing a shared journey of teaching and learning, fostering curiosity and resilience.

Ako (Learning and Teaching)

This whakataukī encourages ākonga to strive for excellence in their learning, setting high aspirations and embracing challenges. It teaches that setbacks are part of growth, and if one must yield, it should only be to great wisdom or significant learning experiences.

Rangatiratanga (Leadership and Self-Determination)

The whakataukī inspires ākonga to take ownership of their learning and personal growth. It aligns with Rangatiratanga by encouraging resilience, ambition, and the pursuit of goals with determination, fostering future leaders who stand tall in their identity.

Kaitiakitanga (Guardianship and Responsibility)

By striving for excellence and respecting the knowledge of those who came before, ākonga learn to become responsible guardians of their taiao (environment), culture, and community. Their journey in seeking their “treasure” reflects a deep commitment to protecting and uplifting their world for future generations.

This whakataukī reminds us that success is not about taking the easiest path but about setting high standards, persevering through challenges, and honouring our responsibilities to ourselves, our whānau, and our environment.

Ko Ngā Uaratanga – Our Core Values

We are committed to providing a Te Ao Māori pathway, guided by our core values: Rangatiratanga, Ako, and Kaitiakitanga.

These values are shaped by our community and serve as the foundation for fostering positive behaviour, enhancing well-being, and empowering our ākonga to achieve educational success.

The Walls

Our kura is underpinned by Te Whare Tapa. The walls are the four cornerstones of total well-being, hauora.  

At Waihārara School our students will gain the skills and knowledge to have control over their own lives and cultural well-being. Hauora (well-being) is achieved through te taha hinengaro (mental health), te taha wairua (spiritual health), te taha tinana (physical health) and te taha whānau (family health). 

Our students will be confident, capable lifelong learners who are active participants in their own success.

The Pillars

The Pillars of the three pou reflect Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and demonstrate our commitment to work together as a whānau to achieve our goals by; 

Partnering and engaging with whānau. Protecting and enhancing the well-being, identity and self-concept of our students.  

Enhancing the classroom and local curriculum to support presence, participation and learning for our students.

The Foundation

The foundation is our turangawaewae our place to stand in this world.  

This is supported through our local curriculum connecting our students to their place, people and whenua as a foundation for learning about the wider world.