New School Sign Opening

Tautoro School - A Mighty Tohu For Esteemed Waka Values

Heralding in the beginning of term 2 is a brand new carved tohu for Tautoro School.

It was great to begin our day with an unveiling ceremony, karakia, powhiri, as well as welcoming new tamariki into our school.

For me I felt so blessed, and humbled to be apart of such a great occasion.

We are all in awe of what we have seen and what we have been waiting for. We are so thankful for our Kuia and Kaumatua who were with us to unveil our beautiful taonga.

Present at the ceremony Matua Mitai, Nanny Winnie, Nanny Toti, and our carver extraordinaire Eric Wihongi.  

Everything was explained to us before the unveiling took place. Nanny Winnie lead the way by telling us what was going to happen, and whether or not we had any questions. Of course our teina had questions, “How long did it take to carve?”  “Why did you carve it?” and they all had to be directed to the person who carved the tohu.

The person who was given the privilege of unveiling the tohu was a student here at our school - Kohuroa Matene.

I thought that this was a really great opportunity for her, as we all know it’s something you will never forget.

Matua Mitai lead our karakia and then we had our himene. It was after that when Kohuroa unveiled our tohu. We all stood there aware some one almost cried, some smiling, and for the majority of us we stood there with much pride in our hearts.

Matua Eric explained to us what the carving meant.  “The carving represents the twelve hoe that we use here at our school for our waka. It is the symbol for our learning and is wholly supported by our parents and community here at Tautoro School. This special carving is made from kauri and symbolises the strength mana and prestige of our school.”

One of the messages given to us by our tumuaki is that when we walk under the pou we are to leave all our worries at the gate or at home and come to school ready to learn. This is something that we all take on board.

One of the best things about our new tohu is that, not only does it support our kaupapa but it also reinforces the Whakatauki that we always hear here at school which is “He waka eke noa”.

No reira nga mihi nui ki a koe Matua Eric kia koutou ano hoki Matua Mitai, Nanny Winnie, Nannie Toti, nga Matua, nga kaiako me te tumuaki  no te kura o Tautoro. Tena koutou katoa.