2025 Planning Waananga: Celebrating Progress and Setting the Course for the Future

On Friday, 20 December, Te Taamatatanga o Pukekohekohe held its highly anticipated 2025 Planning Waananga, bringing together kaumatua, whaanau, and students in a spirit of unity and determination. The day was a celebration of the kaupapa embodied in the koorero, "Maa taatou anoo teeraa e kawe"—it is up to us to carry this forward.

Objective of the 2025 Planning Waananga

The waananga had a clear and focused purpose: to solidify the strategy and actions needed to achieve success in 2025 and beyond, ensuring the growth and sustainability of our kura for future generations. The key objectives were:

1. Strengthening Governance and Operations:

   • Establishing robust governance structures and operational frameworks to meet the educational, cultural, and social needs of our mokopuna in 2025.

   • Aligning these systems with kaupapa Maaori values, ensuring a strong foundation that reflects the aspirations of whaanau and iwi.

2. Creating a Clear Pathway for Progression:

   • Providing Te Kaahui Whakahaere and whaanau with a clear understanding of the steps required to achieve our goals.

   • Identifying resources, support systems, and opportunities for collaboration to drive the vision forward.

Highlights of the Day

The waananga was a powerful display of collective commitment and collaboration. Kaumatua shared wisdom and stories, grounding the planning process in tikanga and whakapapa. Whaanau actively participated in discussions, providing valuable insights into the needs and aspirations of mokopuna. Students contributed their perspectives, offering a glimpse into the future they envision for themselves at Te Taamatatanga o Pukekohekohe.

Through open koorero and workshops, attendees worked together to refine the governance and operational strategies for 2025, ensuring they reflect the kaupapa Maaori values that are central to the kura. The energy in the room was vibrant, with a shared determination to see Te Taamatatanga o Pukekohekohe thrive as a Maaori Medium educational ecosystem that truly serves its people.

The Path Forward

This waananga marks a critical milestone in our journey. By uniting governance, operations, and whaanau efforts, we are setting a clear and intentional path forward. Te Taamatatanga o Pukekohekohe will continue to stand as a symbol of mana motuhake and cultural pride, providing our mokopuna with an education that allows them to thrive both in te ao Maaori and te ao hurihuri.

To everyone who attended, participated, and contributed—ngaa mihi nui ki a koutou katoa. Together, we are ensuring that the dreams of our tupuna live on through our kura and mokopuna.

Stay tuned as we continue this journey into 2025 and beyond. The vision is clear, the pathway is set, and the future is bright.