At Ahutoetoe School we uphold our bicultural responsibilities to Te Tiriti o Waitangi / The Treaty of Waitangi. This is the founding document of our nation and is a treaty between the existing indigenous people of the land - Māori, and the British government. Our bi-cultural responsibilities are a reflection of our ethos, guiding us in fostering an inclusive and equitable learning environment for all

The New Zealand Ministry of Education mandates that this partnership is not just taught and upheld in schools, but lived and embraced.

TKI - The Ministry of Education information about te reo Māori (the Māori language) in schools - Read here

Embracing the principles of partnership, participation, and protection outlined in Te Tiriti, we recognise the dual heritage of our nation and the significance of Māori culture as an integral part of our collective identity. In honouring Te Tiriti, we strive to ensure that the values, languages, and traditions of both Māori and non-Māori communities are respected, celebrated, and interwoven into every facet of school life. 

At Ahutoetoe, we embed Te Tiriti o Waitangi into our curriculum, policies, and practices and we empower our ākonga/learners to become informed, empathetic and socially responsible citizens who are equipped to navigate and contribute meaningfully to our diverse society. 

At our school, we have an unwavering commitment to nurturing a future where all voices are heard, all cultures are valued, and all individuals have the opportunity to thrive. 

You may have heard the word 'tikanga'. The word ‘tikanga’ can be translated and understood as ‘customs, traditions or protocols’ and at Ahutoetoe, we see it as 'the way we do things'. ‘Tikanga Māori’ are customs that are specific to Māori culture (the indigenous culture of New Zealand) and we embed these practices into our school day, led proudly by our learners.

What does this look like during the school day? 

We start our mornings with ‘Whānau Hui’ time (Family Meeting) in each hub. This is an opportunity for us to greet one another, share information about ourselves and begin our day together. Our Whānau Hui time can include: 

Karakia - can be loosely translated as ‘blessing or prayer', however at Ahutoetoe we do not use any religious prayer, and instead we use karakia as a tool of reflection and a way to settle ourselves, ready for the day ahead. Click here for a video that explains this understanding of karakia well. Here are a few examples of the karakia we use at the start of each day: 

Whakataka te hau

Ngā mihi o te rā 

Kia hora te marino

Mihimihi - can be translated to ‘speech of greeting or thanks’. Each hub has a different way of greeting one another in the morning, using simple greetings and introductions (their name, where they are from), to beginning to use a speech format in the senior hubs, acknowledging their peers and teachers in te reo Māori (the Māori language). This is an opportunity for our learners to be leaders and take responsibility for starting our days together, as well as sharing important information about themselves.  

Waiata - can be translated as ‘song/to sing’. Following each mihimihi (speech) we sing a waiata together to show support for the person who has spoken. 

Whakatau to welcome new learners to our school - Whakatau can be translated as ‘to settle, welcome officially’. One of the special ways we welcome new ākonga (learners) and their whānau (families) to Ahutoetoe School when they arrive is at a Whakatau (welcoming ceremony) at the beginning and middle of each term. 

We offer a number of opportunities for our learners to engage with Te Ao Māori (The Māori World) throughout the year. A few examples of this are: 

• Kapa Haka - Kapa haka is a traditional Māori performing art form that encompasses song (waiata), dance, and storytelling. It holds deep cultural significance in Māori communities and serves as a powerful means of preserving and expressing Māori identity, history, and values.

In kapa haka performances, our learners showcase a range of skills, including rhythmic movements (haka), graceful gestures, and vocal harmonies. The repertoire often draws inspiration from Māori mythology, history, and the natural world, with each performance telling a unique story or conveying a particular message.

At Ahutoetoe, we have a Junior Kapa Haka group (Years 1 & 2) and a Performance Kapa Haka group (Years 3-6) who practice weekly. Each week we focus on learning and consolidating new waiata (songs) and preparing for performances during whakatau (welcome ceremonies) and festivals (Tū Māia).

• Te Kotahitanga - Each term, we are invited to Te Kotahitanga Day held at a local primary school. This day is an opportunity for a group of senior learners from each school to develop connections and whanaungatanga (relationships) across the schools in our local area. Throughout the day, learners participate in workshops that teach them about a range of Māori performing arts, knowledge and art practices. These workshops enable all students to share and participate with confidence.

• Tuākana Leaders - One of our whāinga (goals) for 2024 is to establish Tuākana (Senior) Leaders within our school. These leaders will be role models and responsible for representing our school in a number of ways, for example, welcoming guests to our school and supporting our Tēina (junior learners). 

At Ahutoetoe School, we learn a range of Māori Waiata (songs) that can be used for performances, welcoming visitors or simply just enjoyment. Here are the current waiata that we have been learning so that children can practice at home and whānau can learn together. 

Kia ora can be used to say hello, express gratitude, send love and make a connection.

Kia ora is a warm and welcoming greeting you'll hear throughout New Zealand and comes from the indigenous Māori language.

What does kia ora mean?

In its simplest form, kia ora means hello. However, 'kia ora' is more than just hello because it references life and health.

These two words signify more than just a passing greeting. In its literal sense, 'ora' refers to a state of living, or being alive. By using using 'kia', it changes it from a noun to a verb, so rather than 'alive' it is 'living'. So when you say kia ora to someone, you are wishing the essence of life upon them.

When should you say kia ora?

Kia ora is used as an informal greeting throughout New Zealand. You will hear everyone from the Prime Minister to the local shopkeeper using it in day-to-day conversation.

Use kia ora to wish someone well as a greeting or farewell, to say thank you, to affirm support, or to say a friendly 'cheers'. You can also use kia ora to answer the phone or start an email.

How do you say goodbye in Te Reo Māori?

• Ka kite anō - See you later

• Mā te wā - See you next time

• Haere rā - Goodbye/farewell (said to someone leaving)

• Hei kona rā - Goodbye (said to someone staying)

How do you say thank you in Te Reo Māori?

• As well as being used as a greeting, kia ora is also a general expression of appreciation.

• Tēnā koe (to one person), tēnā kōrua (to two people), or tēnā koutou (to three or more people) also means thank you in Māori. 

There are lots of wesbites and apps that can support you with your journey to learn te reo Māori (the Maori language). Below are a few app suggestions.