Te Reo Māori

Language learning that supports identity, heritage, and belonging

Te Reo Māori is offered from Year 7 to Year 13 and supports the learning and revitalisation of the Māori language while strengthening understanding of its cultural and historical significance. Students develop skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing te reo Māori, alongside learning tikanga and mātauranga Māori.

Through this subject, students build confidence in using te reo to deepen their connection to Māori identity and heritage. Te Reo Māori encourages respect for Māori perspectives and supports students to engage meaningfully with Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique cultural landscape. It also strengthens understanding of bicultural partnership and the importance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Overall, Te Reo Māori supports personal growth, cultural awareness, and a greater appreciation of the diverse identities that shape Aotearoa.

Te Ao Haka

Learning the meaning, history, and performance of haka in Māori culture

Te Ao Haka is a subject that explores the meaning, history, and performance of haka within Māori culture. It is available to students from Year 9 to Year 13 and supports students to build confidence, cultural understanding, and performance skills.

Students learn the purpose and tikanga behind a range of Māori performance forms, including haka pōhiri, waiata ā-ringa, poi, mōteatea, Māori weaponry, and taonga pūoro. This is a University-approved subject.

The course also looks at iwi histories and different performance styles from around Aotearoa, helping students understand the diversity of Māori culture. Through group work and performances, students develop teamwork, discipline, leadership, and self-confidence, while learning to respect and uphold Māori cultural traditions.

Total immersion learning programme

Rumaki, Taipari for Year 7 and Year 8 tauira in 2026

In 2026, Orewa College is proud to launch our inaugural Rumaki Reo Māori programme for Year 7 and Year 8 tauira. This Level 1 total immersion programme will see approximately 80% of learning delivered in te reo Māori, grounded in te ao Māori, mātauranga Māori, and tikanga Māori.

Our rumaki classes are designed for tamariki who thrive in a Māori-medium environment, while still having access to core English-medium learning, such as Reading, Writing and Mathematics, as well as specialist subjects like the arts, sciences, technology, and physical education. Rumaki tauira will also take full part in the Year 7 and Year 8 programmes, and will still have access to school opportunities, such as sporting, cultural, leadership and extracurricular activities.

The rumaki programme is open to learners at different stages of their te reo Māori journey, and a high level of language proficiency is not required for initial entry. The programme provides strong scaffolding and support to help tauira build confidence and develop their language skills in a rumaki environment. With commitment and involvement from whānau, tauira are supported to grow in both language and identity.

Orewa College welcomes applications from both in-zone and out-of-zone whānau, as this is a designated special programme. The enrolment process will take place during Terms 3 and 4. All prospective students and their whānau will be invited to an interview with the kaiako Māori after submitting an application. This interview provides an opportunity to share aspirations, discuss current language proficiency, and demonstrate commitment to learning through te reo Māori and the kaupapa of the programme. We welcome whānau who are passionate about Māori-medium education and committed to the revitalisation of te reo Māori.

Enrolment

How to apply for the Rumaki Reo Māori programme

If you would like to enrol your student in the Rumaki Reo Māori programme, please complete an enrolment form as a domestic student and tick “Rumaki Reo Māori programme” on the form.

Whānau hui

Coming together to strengthen relationships and belonging

Termly whānau hui will be held to create opportunities for our Māori community to come together, deepen relationships, and nurture a strong sense of belonging. These gatherings offer a supportive environment where whānau and rangatahi engage collectively in kaupapa Māori, while taking time to share and reflect on the journeys and experiences of our rangatahi at Orewa College.

Central to each hui is the chance for our ākonga to showcase their learning and growth within te ao Māori at the kura. Through kōrero, performance, and presentations, students and whānau are uplifted together, ensuring ancestral knowledge and cultural practices remain active, valued, and woven into everyday life.

Wānanga series

Learning through shared experiences in a safe and supportive space

Students will experience a series of wānanga experiences. The purpose of these wānanga are to provide students in kaupapa Māori with a safe and supportive space to embrace Māori culture and practice tikanga. This environment enables both students and whānau to learn through experience, and make mistakes without fear of judgment, thus fostering confidence and growth in their cultural journey.

Ākonga will develop confidence and cultural competency on a marae setting, gaining a deeper understanding of tikanga practices that ensure their safety and comfort during visits. Success will be determined by each ākonga's dedication, participation, and commitment to engaging in kaupapa and wānanga Māori.

Whakatau at Orewa College

Welcoming visitors with connection, respect, and belonging

A whakatau is a Māori welcoming ceremony that is similar to a pōwhiri but in a multipurpose learning space as opposed to a marae. It is used to acknowledge and welcome visitors, staff, or whānau into a space, helping to build connection, respect, and a sense of belonging within a culturally inclusive environment.

Here is a link to our Whakatau policy for Orewa College.

Matariki Hautapu

A time to reflect, remember, and celebrate together

Matariki Hautapu.

Pānui

Updates and information shared across the year

Māori pānui, upload each termly newsletter.

Kapa haka

Building confidence, identity, and connection through performance

Kapa haka at Orewa College provides a safe and meaningful space for students to express themselves, build whakawhānaungatanga, and develop the confidence to manaaki, lead, whakamana, and work collectively. Through kapa haka, students strengthen cultural identity, share stories, preserve history, and uphold mātauranga Māori. Kapa haka is the vehicle through which key Māori kaupapa are enacted, including whakatau, pōwhiri, school and community events, and participation in the Te Ahurea Tino Rangatiratanga Kapa Haka Tamaki Makaurau competition.

Kapa Haka opportunities:

• School assemblies
• In-school pōwhiri and whakatau
• Across school performances including:
  • Te Kōtahitanga
  • Matariki Festival
  • Pasifika Fiafia
  • Tū Māia Festival
  • Kaipara Festival
  • 2023 Polyfest joint venture with Whangaparāoa College
• Te Ahurea Tino Rangatiratanga Tamaki Competition, competitive group only
• Citizenship ceremonies

Practices will be advertised ______.

To enhance your skills in Kapa Haka, we recommend our Te Ao Haka courses which start from Year 9 to Year 13. This is a University-approved subject.

2026 Te Ao Māori Department

Contact

Find out more about Te Ao Māori at Orewa College

For more information about Te Ao Māori learning pathways and kaupapa, please contact:

Head of Department: Haimona Koziarski
Email: [email protected]

Rumaki Programme Contact: Kata Simpkins
Email: [email protected]

Teacher in Charge of Kapa Haka: Huia King
Email: [email protected]