Te Taamatatanga o Pukekohekohe Whaanau Hui

Te Taamatatanga o Pukekohekohe Whaanau Hui – 18 January 2025

Saturday’s Whaanau hui for Te Taamatatanga o Pukekohekohe was a resounding success, with strong attendance from Whaanau and kaumaatua. The hui provided a platform to reconnect, share updates, and celebrate the kura’s exciting progress as we embark on a transformative year.

Key Priorities: Building Capacity and Capability

At the heart of the kura’s vision is the commitment to creating a Maaori-medium education ecosystem that supports aakonga from the very beginning in koohanga reo to the culmination of their journey in whare waananga, trades, and beyond. This approach ensures a seamless and sustainable pathway for aakonga, while nurturing their cultural identity and educational success.

This holistic vision aligns with Te Rangaranga o Ngaa Hau e Whaa Strategic Plan and the marau-aa-kura, Te Paataka Maatauranga, reinforcing the kura’s commitment to fostering a unified approach to education. By prioritising the development of kaiako Maaori and strengthening partnerships across the rohe, Te Taamatatanga o Pukekohekohe is building a strong foundation for the future of Maaori-medium education.

Exciting Updates: A Five-Year Pathway

One of the highlights of the hui was the announcement of the kura’s five-year educational pathway, which promises growth, sustainability, and excellence. This year, the kura celebrates the addition of a new class and kaiako, further expanding its capacity to deliver a rich educational experience.

Whaaea Hana Wijohn emphasised the importance of collaboration in achieving this vision. “Our focus is on creating a Maaori-medium education ecosystem that supports aakonga from the very beginning in koohanga to the culmination of their journey in whare waananga, trades, and beyond,” she said. This vision includes strengthening relationships with Whaanau, hapuu, iwi, and educational institutions to ensure long-term sustainability.

Whaaea Hana also shared exciting news about new opportunities for aakonga, including three diploma certification options now available through Te Waananga o Raukawa, with additional options in development. “By working with institutions like Te Waananga o Raukawa and developing trades pathways with MIT, we are ensuring our aakonga have diverse opportunities to achieve their goals and thrive in their chosen careers,” she added.

Term 1: Haerenga and Cultural Enrichment

The kura’s momentum continues with three major haerenga planned for Term 1:

1. Waitangi Celebrations – A visit to Waitangi to deepen aakonga connections to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its enduring significance.

2. Te Matatini in Taranaki – Attending the renowned national kapa haka competition, a pinnacle event for Maaori performing arts.

3. Polyfest Debut in Taamaki – The kura’s kapa haka roopu will make its first-ever appearance at Polyfest in collaboration with Pukekohe North School.

These events reflect the kura’s dedication to providing culturally authentic experiences that inspire pride, confidence, and a strong sense of identity among aakonga.

Addressing Challenges: A Clear Path Forward

The hui also addressed pressing questions from Whaanau about the kura’s location, governance, and legal standing. Matua Charlie Tuhua provided clarity, explaining that the kura operates under a legally binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Papakura High School. This agreement establishes the kura’s governance structure and operational framework.

Matua Charlie acknowledged the challenges stemming from delays in securing access to the Paerata Road site and the strained relationship with the marae trustees. “Let’s get this straight,” he said. “Te Taamatatanga o Pukekohekohe is legal, functional, and thriving despite these challenges. We remain committed to finding solutions that benefit all involved, especially our aakonga and Whaanau.”

A Unified Vision for the Future

The hui concluded with Whaaea Hana reinforcing the kura’s commitment to collaboration and growth. “This is about more than education—it’s about creating a sustainable pathway that supports our aakonga, builds relationships, and develops kaiako Maaori who will lead our tamariki and rangatahi into a bright future,” she said.

The kura’s alignment with Te Rangaranga o Ngaa Hau e Whaa and Te Paataka Maatauranga ensures that its strategies are grounded in strong cultural and educational foundations. By fostering relationships across koohanga, ruumaki, kura kaupapa, wharekura, and whare waananga, Te Taamatatanga o Pukekohekohe is creating a pathway that is as inspiring as it is enduring.

Looking Ahead: A Shared Journey

Te Taamatatanga o Pukekohekohe is more than a kura—it is a movement to create a sustainable, culturally empowering educational pathway for aakonga, Whaanau, and the wider community.

We thank all Whaanau who attended and contributed to the success of the hui. Together, we are building a future that reflects the values and aspirations of Te Taamatatanga o Pukekohekohe.

Kia kaha, kia maaia, kia manawanui!

Ngaa mihi nui,
Te Kaahui Whakahaere