Te Kura o Tawatawa - Ridgway School Whānau Group Kaupapa

The Whānau Group is made up of parents, caregivers and staff who are interested in

growing tikanga Māori and te reo Māori at our school. The group's kaupapa is to

support Te Kura o Tawatawa - Ridgway School's growth as an inclusive school and provide ideas and practical

ways for all students to strengthen their knowledge of and pride in tikanga Māori

and te reo Māori. We also aim to empower Māori students to be confident in their

culture and to be leaders in sharing it with the wider school community.

The Whānau Group aims to be a link between students and families and the staff

and board so that as a community we honour our commitment to Te Tiriti o

Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi). We are guided by Tawatawa - Ridgway's core values,

especially respect for the diversity of our school community and responsibility to

learn about and take pride in tikanga Māori and te reo Māori.

Matariki is a very special festival celebrated at Tawatawa - Ridgway since 2015.

Organised by the Whānau Group, the school community enjoys karakia, kapa haka

and kai to celebrate Matariki. The Whānau Group has also led harakeke-weaving and

poi-making workshops, as well as rēwena making. Pōwhiri are now part of school life

to welcome new students and their families, as well as visitors to the school. 

The Whānau Group meets at least one evening a term, more often to plan and

prepare for a special event such as Matariki. All parents and

caregivers are very welcome to join the group or lend a hand. Contact Jo Pohatu or

Kamaea Tukaki via the school office to find out more.