Education – Māori revitalisation at Ōrewa College

As schools and boards across Aotearoa New Zealand review their strategic priorities, Ōrewa College is leading by example, turning consultation into action, and vision into reality. Through genuine engagement with whānau, iwi, and the wider Hibiscus Coast community, the college is developing strategic pathways schoolwide, with a focus on strengthening te reo Māori and tikanga, culminating in the establishment of a Māori full immersion, rumaki reo programme in 2026.

The initiative marks a milestone for both the college and the community. Ōrewa College has continued to set high expectations for teaching and learning, with a strong focus on inclusivity, belonging, and improved outcomes.

For a community like ours, this kaupapa represents more than a new programme. It is a celebration of identity and connection. The rumaki will provide students with an environment where te reo Māori is the instruction of learning, where tikanga is lived daily, and connections to iwi and marae are strengthened. 

The journey toward the rumaki has been grounded in authentic consultation. Over the past 12 months, the college has worked closely with whānau to set shared goals focused on student wellbeing, engagement, and community connection. Regular whānau hui have become a powerful space for voice and collaboration, shaping decisions about curriculum, school culture, and future direction.

One outcome of this process was a shared aspiration to see Māori-language provisions flourish at Ōrewa College. In response, the school leadership developed a plan to recruit quality kaiako to bring this vision to life and committed to offering a full immersion pathway for Years 7 and 8. Next came sharing the programme with whānau and encouraging enrolments. The community response has been overwhelmingly positive, with more than 50 whānau applying for the first intake and 36 students confirmed for 2026.

Beyond the classroom, kapa haka has flourished into a cornerstone of school life. It is a mechanism to establish and develop cultural pride, teamwork, confidence, and belonging. One afternoon, I walked into rehearsal and counted nearly 200 students being taught by three teachers. It was unreal to see that level of passion, commitment and energy from our students.

In 2025, local events such as Tū Maia showcased the strength of kapa haka across the Hibiscus Coast, which demonstrate natural pathways from primary schools into college programmes. In response to this growing passion, 2026 will also see Ōrewa College introduce Te Ao Haka, a senior academic pathway for kapa haka.

The college’s success has come from having the courage to be bold. When we listen to our community and invest our energy in what we value; our culture, our language, and our people, the results will follow. This is about shaping a future where identity and connection thrive within our kura and our community.