“Mokopuna ki tai; Ngā Mokopuna ki uta.” This old saying encapsulates the spirit of Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Mokopuna. Here, language and culture thrive. This school is more than just a place of learning. It is a guardian. It watches over Te Whanganui-a-Tara.
Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Mokopuna stands as a testament to Māori education. It is located at 4 Falkirk Avenue in Wellington. Principal Rawiri Wright leads this composite school. Here students from Year 1 to 15 learn together. The school operates under state authority. It welcomes students of all genders. Te Kura does not have boarding facilities.
Notably, instruction occurs entirely in te reo Māori. The school does not request donations. An exception exists for school camps. Te Kura’s website offers more information. The address is http://www.tkkmmokopuna.school.nz.
In 2014, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Mokopuna underwent renovations. The school resides in a building relocated by the Seatoun community. This building needed significant work. Renovations included new windows and doors. Kitchen facilities received an upgrade. Toilets and showers were also refurbished. Seismic strengthening improved safety. Fire protection services were upgraded as well.
BKB Team Architects worked on this project. It was their third project with Te Kura. Architect Peter Beaumont collaborated with school administrator Mere Hawaikirangi. Together, they chose interior finishes and colors.
The color scheme is vibrant. Primary red and lime green adorn the walls. Bright red vinyl complements native hardwood floors. Doors and window frames are neutral gray. This unifies the color concept. Black, gray, and stainless steel feature in the kitchen. These colors complement the red flooring. The toilets feature blue vinyl floors and wet walls. Clear-coated particle board and white painted walls also appear.
The foyer of the Tuakana block inspired the color scheme. A swirling koru motif features red, green, and black vinyl. The client wanted a strong statement in the hall. Color gives a bold and distinctive interior. It asserts a powerful presence. The interior provides a backdrop for artworks. The kura whanau created these artworks. They are displayed on the walls.
Resene Monza covers half the walls of the hall. Resene Wild Willow balances this bold red. The structural steel portal is finished in Resene Burgundy. This deep red works well with the wall colors. The ceiling is Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream.
Bathroom walls and upper kitchen walls feature Resene Double Thorndon Cream. Ceilings are Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream. Window joinery, trim, and timber doors are Resene Half Tuna.
A large painted triptych is based on a historic carved lintel from Nga Puhi. A whanau member donated it. It occupies a prime location at the rear of the stage. The painting looks stunning against the red wall and rich timber flooring.
Other materials and finishes are neutral. They range from white to black. Te Kura embodies the principles of Te Aho Matua. This guides all Kura Kaupapa Māori. “Ko Te Aho Matua te tāhuhu o tō mātou whare.” Te reo Māori thrives here. Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Mokopuna stands strong. It safeguards the Māori language. It enriches the community.