This is a non-denominational karakia, titled ‘He Kura Whaikaha’ was composed for Mangakōtukutuku College. It uses traditional Māori incantations to draw on the spiritual connection to the land and give strength to those present. Incorporated into this karakia are the values of the school that are used to provide guidance and clarity. We give thanks to mana whenua, Ngāti Wairere and Ngāti Māhanga, who contributed to the composition of this gift. This karakia is special to Mangakōtukutuku and part of our school identity.

1 - A traditional Māori term that is used to cleanse a physical or spiritual space. It is used to lift the tapu.
2 - This is in reference to Kurawaka, the ancestral plains of the Māori people. It was here that Hineahuone was fashioned from the red ochre.
3 - Similar to a waka, but much smaller in size. A traditional Māori case that was used to protect our most treasured gifts.
4 - We use the concept of our rauwaka as an altar to protect our school values, as if they were our most treasured gifts.
5 - Plumes or growths.
6 - Native fuchsia tree found in the Mangakōtukutuku gully and near waterways.
7 - Māori terminology for gifts or treasures from a spiritual dimension. Emphasising the importance of our school values.
8 - Mangakōtukutuku College vision.

The haka begins with a traditional Māori drill call that encourages performers to be prepared, awaken their senses and to be alert. We acknowledge Māhanga and Wairere as our ancestors, and their unrelenting pursuit of being strong in their identity and smart in their pursuit of excellence is what underpins our school values. They gave mana to and honored others, their spirits were strong and resolute and they pursued their pathways to enlightenment with clarity and determination. This haka opens the doors to our house of learning, to our Te Whare Whaikaha, and challenges all those who seek to pursue learning and achievement to follow in the footsteps of our ancestors who have laid the foundation for success. Come forth to me, come forth to Mangakōtukutuku so that you may see my beauty and strength.

This song originates from the Ngāpuhi proverb “Hokia ki o maunga, kia purea koe e ngaa hau o Taawhirimaatea, kia horoia koe e te ua”. It refers to the importance of whakapapa and understanding where you’re from. Maaori history is highlighted by two major migrations; the migration of waka to Aotearoa, and more recently the migration of Maaori from their traditional paa and marae to urban areas in search of work and a better future. As a result of these migrational trends, many Maaori, through generations, lost their connections and in turn lost their identity. This led to anxiety and frustration which is often evident within our Maaori students today. This waiata encourages all people to maintain their connections and relationships with their origins and whakapapa. As the whakatauki suggests, return to your mountains so that you’re reminded by the four winds of who you are and where you come from.