Earlier this month, a group of our students attended Kura Wānanga alongside Wellington High School, held from Thursday 4th – Saturday 6th September. Kura Wānanga is a Māori-led leadership series designed by Māori, for Māori, and of Māori, with the aim of supporting Year 12 and 13 rangatahi Māori to grow into confident, capable leaders connected to their whakapapa and Māoritanga.
Throughout the three days, students explored the question ko wai koe? – who are you? – and discovered the power of storytelling in understanding themselves as individuals and as part of their wider whānau, hapū, iwi, and community. They heard inspiring kōrero from a spoken word poet, a music producer, a toi Māori artist, and members of the whānau connected to Tapu Te Ranga Marae. On Friday, students joined amazing volunteers from Manawa Karioi in regenerating bush surrounding the marae, contributing to the ongoing restoration of this special place.
The experience left a big impact on our students – forming lasting tuakana–teina connections, deepening their sense of identity, and sparking pride in their Māoritanga.
The final Kura Wānanga for the year will take place in Term 4 (November). All tauira Māori in Years 12 and 13 are welcome to attend – however, spaces are limited to 15.
