Tikanga, Te Reo, and Te Ao Māori

Māori are the Tangata Whenua of Aotearoa New Zealand, and Māori language and culture are living parts of New Zealand society and Hokowhitu School.
At Hokowhitu School we: 

• Enable our children to understand, respect and show sensitivity towards Tikanga Māori
• Recognise our obligation to the Treaty of Waitangi through adhering to the principles of Protection, Partnership and Participation

Te Reo Māori is a part of the Hokowhitu School curriculum, and realised through akonga and kaiako (learners and staff). We consult with the school’s Maori community through biannual whanau hui.

Tikanga Māoriis valued and practised as appropriate by kaiako, akonga and manuhiri (staff, learners, and visitors). We believe in a holistic approach to learning and teach STRIVE values that are underpinned by the Māori model of Hauora (health) - Te Whare Tapa Whā - which values physical, mental, spiritual, and family health.

Te Ao Māori is important as we believe in the value of Turangawaewae (pride and understanding of our place).

Our Play Based Learning approach in Te Kete Wakahuia places importance on learning through play. Te Ako Takaro weaves together Te Whariki Curriculum- Nga Hononga (Relationships) through Play Based Learning. In all areas of our school, we endeavour to support Maori to learn as Maori, we are inclusive of children’s own language and experiences, and make connections in the classroom to Tataiako- Ako, Whanaungatanga, Tangata Whenuatanga, Manaakitanga, Wananga. 

At Hokowhitu School we are working towards lifting the profile of our Flexible Learning Spaces through the co-construction of their kaupapa with akonga, kaiako and whanau. 
Tuakana / Teina is an integral part of our school. We have promoted positive relationships between older and younger students through buddy class time and in Kapa Haka.

Kapa Haka please click on the Kapa Haka link for further information regarding waiata being taught.