Seated near the banks of the Waikato River and close to Te Puuaha o Waikato our school is steeped in the cultural nest of Te Ao Maori. Our tamariki, whānau and kaiako enjoy learning more about the rich history of our surrounding area. We are blessed to have four marae in close proximity to our school and many students connect to one or more of these. Our student population is usually 85% + Maori. As a result we look to ensure all areas of our school are a welcoming, supportive and enriching place for our tamariki and their whānau to find success.

Our whole school is  involved in weekly Kapa Haka lessons with a local tutor who is knowledgeable of our area and specific stories and waiata. In 2021 we performed at the Franklin Cultural festival for the first time – pairing up with Onewhero Area School and Pukekawa Primary. 

Each year we hold a Matariki evening where we share stories, waiata, arts and kai (see our pig below!)

Our school values are in Maori, words that encapsulate how we want our students and graduates to develop.

From 2021, Te Kohanga School is a designated 4B Te Reo Maori School. This means that we teach a dedicated 3 hours of te reo per week to all students. This is achieved through weekly waiata and Kapa Haka, but also through daily morning Paepae (briefing) in class and weekly specific te reo lessons. 

In 2023, the Principal, Libby, is part of the Tainui MAC (Maori Achievement Challenge) group for Principals. The teachers are also participating in professional learning development provided through the Tainui MAC group. The staff will also be unpacking the book ‘Niho Taniwha: Improving Teaching and Learning for Ākonga Māori’, and attending a workshop on the book as part of their professional learning in 2023. 

In the near future will be looking to invest in new Kapa Haka uniforms and poi to show off our new skills.