“E whakapumau ana matou te whanau o te Kura nei ki nga matapono o Te Aho Matua”. That’s the declaration of Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Maungarongo. It means “We the family of this school are committed to the principles of Te Aho Matua”.
Welcome to Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Maungarongo. It is more than just a school. It’s a place where the Māori language and culture thrive. It is a whānau, a family that embraces its heritage. The kura stands proudly at the base of Owairaka. This location is in the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Maungarongo started in 1987. Initially, the government did not fund it. Funding began when the government trialled the first Kura Kaupapa Māori in January 1990. The school first resided at the Auckland College of Education. Later, it moved to rooms at Kelston School for the Deaf in Waipareira.
In 1989, part of the whānau branched off to start another school. They returned to the Auckland College of Education. This led to the creation of Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Maungawhau. The founders were Kohanga Reo parents. They wanted their children to continue learning in Māori. They also wished to learn through the principles of Te Aho Matua.
In June 1998, the kura moved to its current site near Owairaka. With the move came a new name Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Maungarongo. The school has grown and flourished. It is in Auckland. Auckland is the largest and most diverse city in Aotearoa New Zealand.
In 2016, the Wharekura o Ngā Maungarongo began. For many kura whānau have moved from their tribal regions. The kura offers sanctuary. It is a safe place where the language flourishes. Customs of ancestors are alive here.
Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Maungarongo follows Te Aho Matua. It is a philosophy that guides the school’s kaupapa. The kura is part of Te Rūnanga Nui o ngā Kura Kaupapa Māori o Aotearoa. This is the national body that guards Te Aho Matua.
The school embraces its role in nurturing future generations. It strives for academic success. It instills a strong sense of place in the world. The location at the base of Owairaka adds to its unique character. The school has deep connections to the environment. The school also has links to the neighbouring community.
The symbol of Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Maungarongo is the Tuatara. The Tuatara represents resilience and longevity. Like this ancient reptile the kura stands firm in its commitment. It protects and promotes Māori culture.
As you stand here feel the vibrant energy. Hear echoes of laughter and learning. Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Maungarongo is a testament. It shows the strength and resilience of Māori education. It ensures that the language culture and traditions thrive for generations to come.