About Te Pākārito
Te Ōhāki a Houmaitawhiti- The Ode of Houmaitawhiti
In today's world, where social media, technology, and evidence-based practices take center stage, ancestral and culturally significant knowledge is often overlooked, dismissed as secondary, or deemed irrelevant. At Te Pākārito, we recognize the importance of reversing this trend. That’s why we have committed to developing a steadfast, Te Arawa-centric strategic philosophy, grounded in ancient, authentic, and inherited wisdom.
This philosophy not only preserves this invaluable knowledge but also embodies the core belief of Te Pākārito: that our tamariki (children) are the living legacy of generations who thrived through their commitment to excellence and mastery across all aspects of life.
Central to our vision is Te Ōhākī a Houmaitawhiti (The Ode of Houmaitawhiti), which we have proudly embraced as a guiding symbol for Te Pākārito. This profound invocation has been thoughtfully translated and adapted to align with the values and principles of Early Childhood Education, ensuring it remains both relevant and impactful in today’s context.
Te Ōhākī a Houmaitawhiti inspires how we teach, live, and connect with our tamariki. Houmaitawhiti’s timeless message emphasizes striving for excellence and passing down knowledge through generations. By integrating this wisdom, we’ve designed a curriculum that reflects the rich world of our tūpuna (ancestors), enabling our tamariki to stay deeply connected to their heritage while equipping them to navigate and succeed in the modern world.
Our Point of Difference
At Te Pākārito, we go beyond teaching te reo Māori — we strive to embody and nurture an authentically Māori curriculum. Our mission is to immerse tamariki in the pre-colonial knowledge of our tūpuna, fostering a deep connection to the environment and values that guided our ancestors long before European colonisation. By grounding our tamariki in this wisdom, we empower them to navigate the future with strength and purpose.
Our teaching is rooted in the dynamic nature of the taiao (natural world) and the importance of safeguarding these precious taonga as kaitiaki (guardians). We reconnect tamariki with the ancestral knowledge that risks being lost, such as the rare native Māori mushroom, Pekepeke kiore seen in the picture, and the traditional Māori names for the many different types of rainfall and clouds. This reclamation of mātauranga Māori enables tamariki to see the world through the eyes of their tūpuna.
At the same time, we embrace innovative teaching methods, blending traditional wisdom with modern approaches to create a holistic and transformative learning experience.
Our whare:
Te Pākārito: The Premises
The Legacy That Lives in Our Home
One of the special things about Te Pākārito is its location—28 Railway Road was the home of my grandparents, the late Pera Haronga and Rui Haronga (née Amohau). Together, they raised six children and many mokopuna in a household built on aroha, strong values, leadership, and a deep commitment to education.
To this day, the original carpet still lies in the hallway, a quiet reminder of our childhood memories. The whakapapa, stories, and spirit of Nan, Koro, and Aunty are still very much alive within these walls. Their presence continues to guide and protect our tamariki, reminding us daily of the love and strength that hold our whānau together
At Te Pākārito, tamariki are surrounded by the beauty of nature, with kōwhai, pōhutukawa, karaka, nikau fillied with the waiata of Tui, Riroriro and Tauhou. Our ‘Pāpā Woronati’ walnut tree is at the heart of our pā tū wāwata/playground, offering endless opportunities for play, exploration, and connection with the taiao