Wharenui

In 1976 we started the Journey of developing a Māori Studies Centre – Te Kahurangi. Since its opening in 1991 it has become an integral part of our kura.

The Journey – Te Kahurangi

1976	Plans were underway for the construction of a Maori Studies Centre – Te Kahurangi.
1979	Te Kahurangi, opened on March 18th 1979. To keep all the cultural buildings together, it was built at the back of the school behind the ESOL classroom, near the Māori prefabs. Plans were made for carvings and tukutuku panels for the Wharenui, but funding and protocol issues delayed their completion.
1987	Te Kahurangi was relocated to the front entrance of the school.
1988	Tukutuku panels were completed.
1990	Prefects made a gift of stained glass windows which were incorporated into the sides of the wharenui, giving the building a ‘church like’ effect.
1991	Carvings and decorations were completed. A ceremonial opening and rededication was held on 5th October, conducted by Mr Rua Cooper.
1991 – present	Te Kahurangi is now an integral part of our school, it is utilised by our staff and students as a learning space and many powhiri are held here to welcome new whānau to our school. Our Kapa Haka ropu (Kahurangi ki uta) practice daily in the wharenui and it is often used for weekend noho as well.