Purpose built wharekura coming to Te Awamutu

Flashback to the unveiling of new Te Wharekura o Nga Purapura o Te Aroha entrance sign in 2015 - the preview to a bigger and better school.

The Ministry of Education has announced development of a new purpose-built wharekura (school) for tamariki in Years 1-13 in Te Awamutu.

The Ministry is working closely with the Board of Trustees and management of Te Wharekura o Nga Purapura o Te Aroha to build a wharekura that supports the needs of tauira (students), whanau and the community.

"Building the new wharekura close to the Apakura Te Kakano Early Learning Centre, Kohanga Reo, Te Awamutu College and Te Wananga o Aotearoa provides a seamless pathway of education for local tamariki," says Head of the Ministry's Education Infrastructure Service, Kim Shannon.

"We are looking forward to working with wharekura leaders and others to build facilities that will be a real asset to the Te Awamutu community. I also want to take this opportunity to thank Te Wananga o Aotearoa, Te Awamutu College and other community members that have played a key role in getting this project underway."

The design process for the Maori Medium school has commenced, based on a roll of up to 120 students.

Jade Tapine, Tumuaki of Te Wharekura o Nga Purapura o Te Aroha, says the new wharekura is of enormous significance to the Te Awamutu community.

"We are committed to ensuring that we collectively create a facility that enriches the mind, spirit, heart, and believe through Maori medium education our tamariki will flourish to be the great leaders we need them to be."

Board of Trustees chairman Paul Martens says the announcement follows years of negotiation.

"It's pleasing to have achieved this milestone. We acknowledge all those that have contributed their time and efforts to date, and look forward to continuing those relationships into the future that will enhance the cradle-to-cradle educational and cultural concepts." Te Wharekura o Nga Purapura o Te Aroha is at Apakura campus, Te Wananga o Aotearoa.

Tauira attending the wharekura are immersed in Te Reo Maori with an emphasis on teaching and revitalising Ngati Raukawa, Maniapoto and Tainui identity, tikanga (customs), kawa (protocol) and waiata (songs).