Ahutoetoe - School Name and Logo

SCHOOL NAME

Ahutoetoe - The place of the Toetoe

We have been entrusted as kaitiaki (guardians) of this land and gifted the name Ahutoetoe by Ngāti Whātua, Maunga Wakahii o Kaipara. The name reflects the local wetland area which was connected to the east coast and west coast by Weiti and Orewa Rivers. This wetland provided an abundance of natural resources including nurturing the toetoe for building and design purposes. The strength of the toetoe to adapt, flourish and change the world around them in this wetland is our inspiration.

Ahutoetoe Rd begins opposite the school’s main entrance, and runs alongside the Weiti waterway. According to our local Kaumātua, Glenn Wilcox, the area also held great importance for iwi as a food gathering and portage point as well as an access route between the north and south.

How to pronounce our name:

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SCHOOL LOGO

Our logo links us to the original wetland, the native flora that inhabited the area and the natural landmarks. The shape of our logo is a manu aute (kite) which traditionally symbolises communication, celebration and inspiration by flying high for all to see. These ideas are also depicted in our school’s imagery, cultural artwork, landscaping design and learning areas. They will connect us to the past, present and future people of the whenua.

Our Logo

The rich cultural heritage of the area and the relationship with iwi are key aspects of the environment and identity of our school. The designated site for the school was formerly natural wetlands, abundant with a rich source of resources for iwi as they traveled through the area, gathering fish, shark, pipi and other shellfish. The area formed a natural link between the west and east coast using the Weiti River as a portage. The school’s logo links us to the original wetland, natural landmarks and the various native fauna/flora that inhabited the site. These are also used in our school’s imagery, cultural artwork, landscaping design and building names. Ahutoetoe School honours the past, is representative of present aspirations and innovations, and provides inspiration for a promising future. The land sustained a whole people, but now land will sustain future generations.

CONNECT / HONO

This represents the local wetlands and rivers. Just as the rivers flow to and from the ocean we embrace the knowledge and land passed to us from our tangata whenua and left behind when we are gone.