Puna Ako

What is Te Puna Ako?

Te Puna Ako is a Whānau unit which sits within the faculty of Te Hononga Ki te Ao Maaori. This unit is made up of five form classes based on principles of Tuakana Teina:

Teina- Year 9

Tupuranga- Year 10

Akoranga- Year 11

Tuakana- Year 12

Manukura- Year 13

Te Puna Ako provides a space for students and their whānau at Waiuku College to connect to Te Ao Māori and to draw from the strength of their cultural identity to achieve their academic potential.

Te Puna Ako students have a valuable opportunity to be in an environment that embraces all aspects of Tikanga and Te Reo Māori thus allowing students to flourish within Te Ao Māori and Te Ao Pākeha. Celebrating and maintaining identity as Māori in Te Puna Ako enhances the development of confident, connected and educated Rangatahi Māori.

Our Ethos

Whakapiki ake te tirohanga ki tua o pae – Set your sights beyond the horizon!!

Taitamariki at the Heart.
Guided by the values of our school – Whakawhanaungatanga, Whakaute, Kaitiakitanga.
Accountable to the Whānau, Hapu and Iwi.
Aspirations through Māori lens – Māori world view.
Success in both worlds – Te Ao Māori and Te Ao Pākeha.
Mana ōrite mo te Matauranga Māori.
Inclusive of all.

Te Puna Ako Goals

To build leaders.
To promote Te Reo Māori and Tikanga Māori within our Whānau classes.          
To provide support for students in their wider subject areas.
To encourage both individual and cultural pride.
For students to value education and develop a sense of purpose and direction for the future.
To meet the needs of our Tauira Maaori and support the aspirations of their Whaanau, Hapu and Iwi. 
More opportunities for students to learn and achieve in Te Ao Māori. 
To produce good citizens who are confident and resilient to navigate themselves through life.
Building a partnership between student, school, and home with a commitment to the aspirations of Ngaati Te Ata.
Teamwork and leadership
Excellence in all aspects of school life.

What is the process for students to join Te Puna Ako?

Students will have opportunities to be involved in Marae noho, Kapahaka, and historical and cultural events. The Whānau class will also provide a Turangawaewae that will nurture the students’ sense of belonging and self-esteem.

Criteria for entry includes (but is not limited to) the following information from previous kura:

Academic Achievement
Cultural Involvement
Behavioral History
Whānau Commitment

Our expectations:

Students commit to working hard individually and as a group with dedication to achieving their true potential.
Students commit to fostering Te Reo and Tikanga Māori.
Students participate in Kapa Haka, Kaitiakitanga and/or Waka Ama.
Support and involvement from Whaanau.

Te Puna Ako accepts student applications throughout the year – Year 9 to Year 13 subject to space availability.

For any enquiries, please contact:

Whaea Rhema Jakeman

Rhema.Jakeman@waiuku-college.school.nz