The Ministry is working closely with the board of trustees and management of Te Wharekura o Ngā Purapura o Te Aroha to build a wharekura that supports the needs of tauira, whānau, and the community.
“Building the new wharekura close to the Apakura Te Kakano Early Learning Centre, Kohanga Reo, Te Awamutu College and Te Wānanga 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 Wānanga 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 Māori Medium school has commenced, based on a roll of up to 120 students.
Jade Tapine, Tumuaki of Te Wharekura o Ngā 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 Māori medium education our tamariki will flourish to be the great leaders we need them to be.”
Paul Martens, chair of the board says today’s 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 currently located at Apakura campus, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.
Tauira attending the wharekura are immersed in Te Reo Māori with an emphasis on teaching and revitalising Ngāti Raukawa, Maniapoto and Tainui identity, tikanga, kawa and waiata.