Te Ao Māori

At Takapuna Primary School, we are deeply committed to honoring Te Tiriti o Waitangi and enriching our students’ lives through the beauty of Te Ao Māori (the Māori world). We believe that integrating te reo me ōna tikanga (language and cultural practices) is vital for all learners. We are incredibly proud to offer a robust, school-wide programme that is a unique asset to our school community and a rare privilege for a primary school.

Our Specialist Fluent Te Reo Teacher

To bring this vision to life, we have a dedicated, fluent Te Reo Māori Specialist Teacher who works across the entire school. Once a week, every classroom engages in focused learning sessions designed to accelerate language development. Beyond the spoken word, these sessions provide students with deeper learning about Māori histories, stories, values, and cultural practices, fostering a profound respect and understanding of the land we stand on.

School-Wide Kapa Haka

Waiata and haka are powerful expressions of identity and unity. Our specialist teacher leads our whole-school Kapa Haka programme, bringing our entire community together to sing, perform, and connect. Kapa Haka at Takapuna Primary builds collective pride, instills confidence, and allows our students to experience the joy of Māori performance arts together.

Building Teacher Capability

Our commitment to Te Ao Māori goes beyond student lessons. Our specialist teacher works closely with our staff, supporting and upskilling all classroom teachers in their own te reo Māori journeys and cultural competencies. This collaborative professional development ensures that Māori perspectives and language are naturally woven into daily classroom life, creating an authentic, culturally responsive learning environment.

A Unique Asset for Our Tamariki

It is rare for Primary Schools to have access to a fluent specialist who impacts every student, every week. We view this comprehensive programme as a huge asset to Takapuna Primary School. It empowers our tamariki (children) to grow as culturally connected, empathetic citizens who value identity, heritage, and inclusivity.