PUNA AKO – Building relationships with our ākonga and their whānau is at the heart of Kōmanawa. We do this through our Te Aranui ki te Ao (The pathways to the world) Programme which recognises and builds on the uniqueness of each child through the Mātāpono and Uara of Haeata. We focus on Te Whare Tapawhā; their cultural, spiritual, physical and mental wellbeing.

KAUPAPA AKO – Focuses on explicit teaching that will enable each ākonga to build their skills in te reo Māori. Learning is through Te Ao Māori and uses tuākana – teina relationships across the kura. We believe in developing independent, critical thinkers and problem solvers. You may see 1-1 teaching, small group or whole class learning. Culture, language and identity are strengthened through Kaupapa Ako.

PAKIREHUA/INQUIRY- RĀKAIHAUTŪTANGA - Nōu te kō – The kō is yours! Rākaihautū was a great explorer of the Waitaha people, who carved out this whenua (land) with his kō (digging stick), shaping the landscape through exploration and purpose. Rākaihautūtanga is our opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Rākaihautū – to pick up our own kō and chart our own paths in learning. It is a time where our ākonga become the explorers and adventurers, driven by their passions and curiosity. During Rākaihautūtanga, our ākonga are encouraged to think creatively, inquire deeply, and express their unique talents. They have the freedom to explore through Te Ao Māori – embracing a Māori worldview – and to dive into areas they feel drawn to. Learning is interconnected and authentic, weaving together Pāngarau (Mathematics), Tikanga-ā-Iwi (Social Studies), Pūtaiao (Science), Ngā Toi (The Arts), Hangarau (Technology), and Te Reo Matatini (Reading, Writing, and Oral Language). These disciplines come alive through meaningful inquiries and real-world investigations led by the learners themselves. This is their time to lead, create, explore, and grow. Nōu te kō – The kō is yours. 

WHĀNAU INVOLVEMENT

Whānau involvement is vital to support growth of our ākonga. We hold hui each term where whānau are encouraged to attend and celebrate their child’s learning.

We co-create a Kapehū Whetū – a Compass map (a Personal Learning Plan) with you and your child to identify and celebrate their uniqueness, and support their future learning pathway.

As a whānau, you are strongly encouraged to journey alongside your child and develop your capabilities in te reo Māori so you are able to support them as best you can.

Kōmanawa is for you and your whānau if you are: Wanting your child to develop and grow so they can stand confidently in both te ao Māori and in the wider world. Looking to reconnect with your taha Māori Willing to learn and grow alongside your child in te reo and tikanga Māori Committed to supporting ākonga attending kura and whānau hui.