Kaupapa Māori
At Te Kura Tuarua o Te Kauaeranga | Thames High School, Kaupapa Māori reflects our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, to mana whenua, and to creating a school culture grounded in respect, identity and collective wellbeing.
Kaupapa Māori at our kura is expressed through tikanga, karakia, language, relationships and everyday practice. These support learning environments that are calm, inclusive and purposeful, and help all members of our community understand their place within Aotearoa New Zealand.
The following karakia and waiata are used across our school to open and close the day, to begin and end learning, and to acknowledge kai and community. They are taonga that support connection, reflection and unity.
Whakataka Te Hau
Whakataka te hau ki te uru
Whakataka te hau ki te tonga
Kia mākinakina ki uta
Kia mātaratara ki tai
E hī ake ana te atakura
He tio, he huka, he hauhū
Cease the winds to the west
Cease the winds to the south
Let the breeze refresh the land
Let the breeze refresh the sea
The dawn rises with promise
A touch of frost, a promise of a glorious day
This karakia is often used to set the tone for learning and gatherings (e.g. assembly) calling for calm, clarity and readiness for what is to come.
He Hōnore
He hōnore, he korōria
Maunga-rongo ki te whenua
Whakaaro pai e
ki ngā tangata katoa
Ake, ake, ake, ake
Āmine
Te Atua te piringa
Tōku oranga
All honour and glory
Peace on earth
Goodwill to all people
Forever and ever
Amen
God is my refuge
My source of life
This waiata/karakia affirms peace, goodwill and unity, and is commonly used in gatherings and formal occasions.
Karakia Timatanga | Starting Prayer
Tukua te wairua kia rere ki ngā taumata
Hei ārahi i a tātou mahi
Me tā tātou whai i ngā tikanga o rātou mā
Kia mau, kia ita
Kia kore ai e ngaro
Kia pupuri
Whakamaua kia tina, tina
Hui e, Tāiki e!
Allow the spirit to rise to its full potential
To guide us in our work
And in following the ways of those before us
Hold fast, be steadfast
So it is not lost
Secure it firmly
Bind it together
Let it be affirmed
This karakia is used to begin learning, helping students and staff focus, connect and commit to the task ahead.
Karakia Whakamutunga | Ending Prayer
Hikitia, hikitia, hikitia te rongomaiwhiti o tēnei hui
Tukua kia ia, tukua kia ōī
Ko Ranginui ki runga
Ko Papatūānuku ki raro
Tuturu whakamaua kia tina
Tina
Haumi e, Hui e
Tāiki e!
Lift the sacredness of this gathering
Release it so balance and wellbeing remain
The sky above, the earth below
Hold firm, secure it
Let us be united
This karakia is used to close learning or gatherings, acknowledging what has been shared and returning people safely to the next part of the day.
Karakia Kai | Blessing for Food
E te Kaihanga
Whakapaingia ēnei kai
Hei oranga mō ō mātou tinana
Whāngai hoki ō mātou wairua
Ki te tara o te ora
Ake, ake, ake
Āmine
Creator, bless this food
For the nourishment of our bodies
And the feeding of our spirits
Towards wellbeing and life
Forever and ever
Amen
This karakia acknowledges kai as a source of physical and spiritual wellbeing, and reinforces gratitude and care for one another.
Living Kaupapa Māori at Our Kura
Kaupapa Māori at Thames High School is not limited to formal occasions. It is reflected in:
- The use of te reo Māori across the school
- Tikanga-informed practices and routines
- Respectful relationships grounded in manaakitanga
- Strong connections with mana whenua and iwi
- Learning environments where identity and belonging are valued
Through these practices, we aim to ensure that all learners benefit from a culturally grounded, respectful and inclusive school culture.
