An Explanation

The most prominent feature on the Karetu School logo is our pā, Puketohunoa. This features as a constant reminder of this special

place, Karetu.

It is also a symbolic reminder of the challenges we may face throughout our lives, whether physical, emotional or academic, and

how we may choose to overcome these, great or small.

i. As we stand at the base of Puketohunoa we ponder the challenge.

Gee that’s steep! Look at the gorse! I wonder if there’s a wild pig up there!

Aua - I don’t know! I don’t know if we can make it, I don’t know if it’s safe to take on the challenge.

ii. If we plan our attack (karakia, nominate leaders, choose the best route, seniors to assist juniors etc) gather our

resources (inside knowledge, good footwear, 1st aid kit, water bottles etc) and work together, we shall prevail!

Ake - Upwards! Plan in place, we take on the challenge, one sure step after the other, upwards we go.

iii. Until, we reach the summit! Yippee!! We made it!! Another challenge overcome!!

Anā

Mission Statement “Aua Ake Ana – Reaching Up”

‘Aua Ake Ana’

“Reaching Up”

Our lives are full of challenges. We face these every day, at school, at home and even when we play.

Although we may struggle at times with these challenges, by working together, utilizing our resources and knowledge,

putting a plan in place and taking steady but sure steps each challenge will be overcome.

Anā - Take That!

MANAAKITANGA

Mana – authority/responsibility/power, aki – elevate or raise, manaaki – show respect and kindness

tanga – art or business of.

The Art of Uplifting Mana.

The students of Karetu School display hospitality to visitors. They show respect and kindness when entertaining and caring for the collective of people. They understand and believe that the greater you uplift the mana of your manuhiri (guests) through hospitality the more your own mana is uplifted.

KOTAHITANGA

Ko – with regard to , tahi – one,

Kotahi - oneness/unity, tanga – the ‘world’ of

The World of Oneness.

Students at Karetu School are effective communicators who relate empathetically to a diverse range of people in a variety of contexts. They show an understanding of those who have a different cultural, ethnic or linguistic background and display tolerance and inclusiveness.

KAITIAKITANGA

Kai – doer of the action, tiaki – to care,

to protect, to guard, Kaitiaki – guardian,

tanga – the act of

The Act of Guardianship.

Karetu School children know that they have a responsibility to honour and sustain our environment. That everything has a mauri (life force or essence) including people, fish, animals, birds, forests, land, seas and rivers, and that it is their responsibility to ensure that through their actions this mauri is maintained for present and future generations.

RANGATIRATANGA

Ranga – to weave, tira – groups/thoughts/ideas/views rangatira – those whom enact this practice,

tanga – the ‘business’ of.

The Business of Binding Groups Together

For the Betterment of the Collective.

Whakapapa tells us that all things are connected and rangatiratanga is about acknowledging, maintaining and creating connections. Definitions from the Williams dictionary of ‘rangatira’ and ‘rangatiratanga’ explains the chiefly status and qualities one needs to have, to do this task. Rangatiratanga also implies self-governance.

TOHUNGATANGA

Tohu – sign/ symbol, tohunga – expert, tanga – world of

Expertise in the World of Signs and Symbols.

We need symbols to help us understand things e.g. numbers, language, mythological stories. Tohunga in the traditional sense, are trained experts of the ‘word’ and can tap into the power the word can invoke through karakia. This refers back to ‘Te Timatanga’ – the word from ‘Io’ through karakia. Specifically chosen, their station is one that maintains the spiritual/physical balance in the order of things. In a broader sense, it could mean the gifts, talents, potentialities which a person is endowed with from birth. Life is

about exploring these things and realising them – our own tohungatanga.

Karetu School children will demonstrate their understanding of how their maunga (Puketohunoa) was and remains a symbol of balance to all. They will, through experiencing programmes aimed at development of thinking skills and better understanding their own learning, understand and use messages, signs and symbols that are both implicit and explicit.

WHANAUNGATANGA

Whānau – family, whanaunga - relations, tanga – the ‘art’ of.

The Art of Managing Relationships.

Whanaungatanga is about kinship, being part of a major whole. We are related to all living things and therefore express whanaungatanga with their surroundings. It implies an overall obligation to look after each other in all aspects of life.