Information
About our Kura
Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Rotoiti is situated on the eastern side of Lake Rotoiti. The kura is a vibrant learning community where all students and staff whakapapa to Ngāti Pikiao, supported by an active whānau and group of kaumātua. Our local curriculum is deeply immersed in Ngāti Pikiao history, te reo Māori, and tikanga.
Our Identity and Values
Students at the kura demonstrate strong self-confidence and are developing leadership qualities. They value their identity, confidently articulating their whakapapa and tribal links. Key aspects of our environment include:
Whānau Connection: Whānau are actively involved in all aspects of kura life, supporting classroom practice and sharing traditional knowledge to inform learning.
Cultural Expression: Students and whānau use waiata, karakia, and mōteatea to enhance their knowledge of their iwi and hapū.
Supportive Environment: Kaiako model relationships based on aroha (love) and awhi (support), ensuring students are settled and comfortable.
Language and Learning
Te reo Māori is the heart of our kura. Students use the language confidently in diverse situations and are exposed to high-quality language models, including kaumātua.
Language Immersion: Students support one another to speak only te reo Māori, learning the specific mita (dialect) of Ngāti Pikiao.
Authentic Experiences: Learning extends to Ngāti Pikiao marae, Poukai, Manu Kōrero, and other iwi events where students experience rich language and tikanga.
Academic Engagement: Students are inquisitive learners who benefit from a wide range of activities, including the Young Engineers programme and information technology.
Connection to the Land
Our students are encouraged to acknowledge their place in the Māori world and the wider environment. They participate in local environmental projects, such as maara kai and enviro schools, and have frequent opportunities to explore Ngāti Pikiao lands and waterways. Through these experiences, students practice tikanga as it applies to the natural world.
