About Us
Our Story
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei is a hapū (sub-tribe) of Ngāti Whātua.
Te Puna Reo Ōkahukura takes its name from a place in the Kaipara Harbour, Tāporapora, that was close to the last ancient whare wānanga of Ngāti Whātua. Ōkahukura was the beginning stage of higher learning, which then developed to Te Mānuka, which then developed and was finalised at Manukapua.
Te Puna reo Ōkahukura is the beginning of the educational pathway Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei are creating for their uri and any whānau interested in a Ngāti Whātua centric educational pathway.
Vision
The vision for Te Puna Reo Ōkahukura are:
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to provide an opportunity for Māori to succeed being Māori
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excellence in Te Reo Māori, Tikanga Māori, and Mātauranga Māori
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to grow our tamariki to become toa for their iwi
Centre Manager Statement
"Poipoia te kākano kia puawai”.
Melissa Greenwood
Centre Manager
Ko Takaparawhau te taumata
Ko Waitematā te wai tukukiri
Nō Tāmaki Makaurau ahau
Ko Ngāti Whātua te iwi i whāngai taku reo Māori
Ko Melissa Greenwood taku ingoa
Ko au te Tumuaki o Te Puna Reo Ōkahukura
Te Puna reo Ōkahukura means so much to me on a professional and personal level. Starting as a kaiāwhina in our Puna reo, growing to become a kaiako, and then moving into the position of Tumuaki, I have a vested interest in the growth of our Puna reo and all of our pēpi, tamariki and whānau on this learning journey.
We have a strong team of kaiako and kaiāwhina who lead our kaupapa. They work diligently to ensure the holistic wellbeing of ngā tamariki o te Puna Reo and provide teacher-led whēako akoranga, while giving mana to the unique interests and disposition of each tamaiti and the aspirations of their whānau.
As we are potentially that first stepping stone in formal education for a tamaiti, we have a huge role to play in setting the foundational pillars for success. When a tamaiti starts their education with us, it is a commitment for the whole whānau, to their child’s growth and development as an individual; to te reo Māori; and to the kaupapa of Te Puna Reo Ōkahukura.
We are unique and incredibly lucky because we are a Puna Reo ā-iwi based on our whenua!
With our tamariki and whānau having varying backgrounds, iwi affiliations, and values, we appreciate the diversity and eagerness of our whānau to learn in a Ngāti Whātua centric Puna reo.
The greatest highlight of our Puna reo are the fact we are on Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei whenua, which means we are involved in kaupapa at our marae, kaupapa on our whenua and regular visits to our kaumātua and kuia, to share in experiences and knowledge.
We hope to grow with you and your tamariki very soon e te whānau.