Te Kura Pūkenga o Rotorua

Ngāti Whakaue Education Plan

Two Year Implementation Timeline

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Purpose

This plan strengthens the relationship between Te Kura Pūkenga o Rotorua and Ngāti Whakaue, ensuring our ākonga and kaiako learn about the history, stories, tikanga, and cultural identity of the whenua on which our kura stands.

Through authentic learning experiences, staff and students will build understanding of local iwi knowledge, Te Tiriti partnerships, and Ngāti Whakaue heritage.

The plan supports the Refreshed New Zealand Curriculum, particularly:

• Aotearoa New Zealand Histories
  
  
• Te Tiriti o Waitangi
  
  
• Localised Curriculum
  
  
• Te Reo Māori me ōna Tikanga
  
  
• The Arts
  
  

Learning experiences are designed to be accessible and engaging for neurodiverse learners and students with intellectual or physical disabilities.

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Year 1 – Kaiako Learning and Curriculum Development

Noho Marae – Staff Cultural Learning

A noho marae experience will support staff to deepen their knowledge and confidence in Ngāti Whakaue tikanga.

Learning Focus

• Ngāti Whakaue purākau and local histories
  
  
• Understanding the significance of Te Arawa and Rotorua
  
  
• Tikanga and kawa of the marae
  
  
• Correct pōhiri process
  
  
• Strengthening relationships with local iwi
  
  

Outcomes
Kaiako will:

• Develop confidence in tikanga Māori practices
  
  
• Understand local iwi narratives
  
  
• Embed Ngāti Whakaue knowledge authentically into teaching programmes.
  
  

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Curriculum Integration Across the Kura

Aotearoa New Zealand Histories

Students learn about:

• Ngāti Whakaue origins and connection to Te Arawa waka
  
  
• Local stories of Rotorua
  
  
• The significance of the land and geothermal environment.
  
  

Teaching strategies for neurodiverse learners include:

• Visual storytelling
  
  
• Symbol supported learning
  
  
• Simplified narratives and social stories
  
  
• Interactive storytelling
  
  

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Te Reo Māori

Students learn:

• Local place names
  
  
• Basic mihi and pepeha
  
  
• Waiata connected to Ngāti Whakaue
  
  
• Key vocabulary related to whenua and whakapapa.
  
  

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The Arts Integration

Students explore Ngāti Whakaue identity through creative expression including:

• Visual arts
  
  
• Music and waiata
  
  
• Storytelling
  
  
• Movement and performance.
  
  

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Ngāti Whakaue Artwork Learning

Tāne Whakapiri Tangata – School Hall Artwork

Students will learn about the Ngāti Whakaue artwork displayed in the school hall.

Learning includes:

• The meaning of Tāne Whakapiri Tangata
  
  
• The symbolism represented in the artwork
  
  
• How Tāne connects people to the natural world and each other.
  
  

Accessible learning approaches include:

• Visual interpretation
  
  
• Sensory exploration
  
  
• Story-based learning
  
  
• Guided discussion.
  
  

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Year 2 – Student Cultural Experience

Ngāti Whakaue Marae Experience

Senior students will participate in a Marae Day Stay to deepen their understanding of local culture.

Marae Experience Programme

Pōhiri
Students participate in:

• Karanga
  
  
• Waiata
  
  
• Formal welcome process
  
  

This helps students understand the significance of tikanga and kawa.

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Ngāti Whakaue Purākau

Students learn local stories through:

• Oral storytelling
  
  
• Visual supports
  
  
• Interactive discussion.
  
  

Stories will highlight:

• Local landmarks
  
  
• Ancestors
  
  
• Cultural values.
  
  

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Creative Cultural Learning

Students respond to their marae experience through:

Art Projects

• Cultural pattern artwork
  
  
• Clay or carving inspired pieces
  
  
• Symbol-based art reflecting local stories.
  
  

Music and Waiata

• Learning and performing waiata
  
  
• Rhythm and movement activities.
  
  

Storytelling

• Students retell Ngāti Whakaue stories
  
  
• Drama and role play
  
  
• Visual storyboards.
  
  

Activities are adapted so all learners can participate using:

• Visual supports
  
  
• Augmentative communication
  
  
• Sensory materials
  
  
• Collaborative group work.
  
  

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Expected Outcomes

By the end of the two-year cycle:

Students will:

• Understand they are learning on Ngāti Whakaue whenua
  
  
• Recognise key local stories and cultural symbols
  
  
• Experience authentic marae tikanga
  
  
• Express cultural learning through art, music, and storytelling.
  
  

Staff will:

• Feel confident embedding local iwi knowledge into teaching
  
  
• Build meaningful relationships with Ngāti Whakaue
  
  
• Deliver a culturally responsive localised curriculum.