Our History

Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hoani Waititi Marae was the first school of its kind in Aotearoa, New Zealand. The kura has been in operation since 1985, however, it was formally recognised under legislation introduced in 1989 which made way for a total immersion, Māori language schooling option for primary-aged children. Prior to being recognised by the State in legislation, these schools were funded by the families of the children who attended these kura. They were motivated by their hope for another educational pathway for their children that valued and reflected their language and culture.

In 1993 a secondary school unit was added at Waititi and other KKM of similar age and experience. The Ministry of Education classes us as a Composite School or Area School, which allows us to cater for children from 5 years of age to 18 (Year 1 to Year 13). In 2016, Waititi had 170 students; 85 in the primary sector, 51 in the middle-school years, and 34 senior high school students. We employ 17 teaching staff and 3 support staff. Nationally, there are 66 KKM Aho Matua catering for more than 8,000 students, which makes up approximately 10% of the country’s school age population.

Our Philosophy

Kura Kaupapa Māori (KKM), draw their name from the notion of schools whose philosophy, school systems, language and ways of doing and being, stem from a Māori worldview (kaupapa Māori). KKM were born from a desire to retain, rejuvenate and develop the Māori language and culture, which were (and remain) under serious threat of survival. They were also established to continue on from the Māori language pre-school option, Kōhanga Reo (literally – Language Nests).

The marautanga (curriculum or knowledge base) of KKM comes from te ao Māori (the Māori world). The kura recognises the need to ensure students are prepared as 21st century learners and citizens. The philosophical document of KKM is Te Aho Matua (The Strongest Thread), which supports the holistic education of the person. It emphasises that for deep and meaningful education to happen, the person’s wairua (spirit) and mauri (life force or essence) must not only be intact, but flourishing.

Board of Trustees Structure

The role of the Board of Trustees at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hoani Waititi Marae is to mirror the hopes, dreams and aspirations of the school community and wider Māori society.

Nurturing Māori children who are strong in their ancestral language and culture, and who embody the values of Te Aho Matua to become leaders for their people is the ultimate goal that the Board strives towards.

The Board is made up of whānau members, a staff representative, the Principal and a student representative from the Wharekura (secondary school). The direction of the school alongside the policies, budgets, plans and other important decisions is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees. However, the day-to-day operation of the school falls under the responsibility of the Principal and the Kāhui Amorangi (Senior Leadership Team).

Board members can be contacted through the school office.