Cultural Narrative For Arowhenua Māori School

Te Kōrero ā-Ahurea o Te Kura Māori o Arowhenua
“Hoki mai koe ki a Arowhenua Tū ana ki raro kā mauka Tarahaoa rāua ko Huatekerekere. Whakaroko ki te korero tawhito a kā tīpuna, a kā kaumatua hōki. Tēnei te mihi… tēnei te mihi aroha”.

– Na Bronwyn Te Koeti 2022

He anga onamata, he aronga anamata. Ancestrally driven, future focused.

This vision statement for Arowhenua Māori School was adopted in 2018. It reflects kā moemoea (aspirations) our hāpori-ā-kura have for our mokopuna.

This was also the start of our journey to create a new learning environment that reflected this aspiration.  We consulted; our hāpori-ā-kura, our mana whenua ko Kāti Huirapa, our ringatoi (artists) nō Kāi Tahu, our ākonga.

We engaged our ringatoi to work with our architect to create a kura that whole-heartedly encapsulates our vision through the pūrākau, hītori, tikanga, and the whenau of our takiwā.

We understand and honour the intrinsic value these artworks bring to our kura as matauraka tuku iho.

It is our moemooea that the relationships our mokopuna create whit this culturally rich environment will forge a permanent place within their ngakau (heart) to carry with them through a lifelong journey of learning, more importantly, learning as Māori.

“Māori minds may have been colonised but not their dreams. Māori artists have held fast to face the face of Mataroa. It is the face that they have always carried in their spirit, their hearts and their dreams. It is their matakite. The second sight which gives them their inspiration.”

Mataroa The Living Face. Sandy Adsett, Cliff Whiting, Witi Ihimaera.

The kura is a work of art and a mihi goes out to all that have dedicated their time and talent so far.

To learn more about all the artwork located around the kura please refer to our Cultural Narrative document.

Cultural Narrative for Arowhenua Māori School

Arowhenua Māori School is situated at 33 Huirapa Street on the Arowhenua Pa, 5 minutes south of Temuka and 15 minutes from Timaru. Free transport is available from Temuka, Pleasant Point and Timaru and other areas by arrangement.

We are a full primary school (year1-8) that provides opportunities for students of all ethnic groups to learn in a 21st century environment that encourages high achievement while fostering and valuing relationships that lead to a sense of belonging and a desire to achieve personal excellence.

Arowhenua Māori School