Our Culture
At Kaipara Flats School, we actively embrace and integrate Te Ao Māori (the Māori worldview), Te Reo Māori (the Māori language), and Tikanga Māori (Māori customs and practices) into daily school life. This commitment strengthens our cultural identity and ensures that all students develop an appreciation for Aotearoa New Zealand’s dual heritage.
How We Incorporate Te Ao Māori
- Daily learning through the online platform Te Puna Reo Māori.
- Teaching Te Reo Māori across all levels, including karakia, waiata, pepeha, greetings, counting, mihi, basic vocabulary, pronunciation, and place names.
- Incorporating tikanga (Māori customs) in daily school life – strongly linked to our values,
- Participate in kapa haka, developing confidence in Māori performing arts.
- Participate in the Tau Rima Festival – a kapa haka festival for the schools in the Mahurangi rōhē.
- Welcoming new staff and students using mihi whakatau (a formal welcome).
- Use of Te Reo Māori on signage and in communication with the wider communication.
- Acknowledging significant cultural events such as Waitangi Day and Matariki.
Engaging with Māori Cultural Experts
- Targeted professional learning and development for staff.
- Collaborate with Māori cultural advisors, including the MAC (Māori Achievement Collaborative).
- Collaborate with the Mahurangi Kāhui Ako Across-school leader in charge of cultural competency.
- Our school integrates Māori perspectives across all curriculum areas where applicable.
Building Strong Community Relationships
- We foster meaningful relationships with local iwi and visit marae to deepen cultural connections.
- We hold whānau hui (family meetings) and support whānau groups to strengthen community ties.
Each Learner as Taonga
We believe that each learner is a taonga (treasure) and deserves the support they need to achieve equitable outcomes. Our school is committed to providing a learning environment that fosters both educational and social success for all students. We ensure that every child has the resources, opportunities, and encouragement they need to thrive.
Through these initiatives, we ensure that all ākonga, whether Māori or tauiwi, develop respect for Te Ao Māori and grow as culturally responsive learners.
