Nga Ringa
Te Reo Māori is integrated into Owairaka Primary School curriculum. For our Māori students and others who request it, additional reo is taught every Thursday afternoon in our special room, Ngā Ringa Awhina. Ngā ringa means, “the helping hands”.
In 2010, students completed an inquiry about the history of Owairaka.
“Wairaka was a Māori ancestor from the Mt Albert area of Auckland. She was known as one of the beautiful daughters of Toroa, chief of the Ngāti Awa tribe and captain of the Mataatua waka (canoe). Wairaka is remembered for her bravery. She was known as a strong leader of her people. Our school and our mountain are both called Owairaka, meaning it belongs to or is where she (Wairaka) lived”.
As a result of their research the students produced a school pepeha. Their journey has been recorded at the Living Heritage website.
Recently Nga Ringa Awhina has been refurbished inside. It has been painted and new flooring has been put in. It looks fantastic. Next to Nga Ringa Awhina is our rongoa (Māori medicinal garden).
Whanau meetings are held once a term and all parents are welcome to attend.
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