Mau rakau, known for its inclusive approach and long standing traditions, has been an area of interest to Whaea Te Wairere at Te Kura kaupapa Maori o Pukemiro for many years. She decided to take the lead in initiating an after school programme for their Kura to participate in covering right from kura teina (year one) students up to wharekura (year 13).  However, not only would this programme be for the students of the kura but the wider whanau, young and old too!

Running two days per week during term one for two hours each session, it is definitely not a small undertaking. Mau Rakau is mastery of both the physical and spiritual senses. It is grave in tradition, something the kura was strong to preserve whilst making it whanau and ability-friendly for all. Encompassing vital values of Te Aho Matua the founding guidelines of Kura Kaupapa means this takaro Maori was an opportunity to explore various streams of knowledge and growth. This opportunity also opened up plenty of doors for whanau engagement, healthy activity and overall positive wairua!

As the term progressed, mau rakau evolved into training for kapa haka. Both wharekura and kura teina participate in kapa haka as an integral part of their curriculum. Covering all aspects of whare tapa wha, kapa haka allows the children to achieve a well-rounded experience within a unique Maori environment. Making the most of embracing a community experience, Wharekura then participated in the 2018 Te Tai Tokerau festival.

The hours of practices, wananga and whanau commitment all paid off. During the performance, the younger kura made a huge effort to tautoko their peers. With the entire Kura in attendance and a large contingency of whanau, Te Kura kaupapa Maori o Pukemiro performed with passion and commitment at the Te Tai Tokerau festival held in Kerikeri.

The school has built an engaging community environment through mau rakau classes. This then led into a competition kapa haka roopu for seniors and also a roopu for juniors. Then together with whanau, everyone is fully committed to achieving an inclusive experience for all. Kura teina enjoyed their day watching their older whanaunga stand to represent their kura. They showed their tautoko through haka at the end as acknowledgement of their achievements.

Pukemiro has been successful in creating and exploring community engagement. The wider school approach is not a small undertaking and something to be extremely proud of by all.