Vision and Values


The vision of Mangakōtukutuku College is Te Kura Whaikaha.

In our school, our ākonga are nurtured to be strong in

their cultural identity and smart in the way they pursue

personal excellence.

We aim to nurture culturally intelligent individuals who share an understanding that diversity is a strength and that all ākonga have the potential to succeed regardless of their background. Ākonga will be taught to recognise, appreciate, and respect the differences that exist among their peers, and to use these differences to learn from one another and to grow as strong individuals in a caring community.

In our school, ākonga are encouraged to pursue excellence in all areas of their lives, including academics, athletics, the arts, and service to school and community. They will be taught to set ambitious goals for themselves and to develop the grit, perseverance and resilience needed to overcome challenges and setbacks. They are also encouraged to use their talents and abilities to make a positive difference in the world, and to become leaders who inspire others to do the same.

" Our ākonga will be strong in their own cultural identity and smart in the way they pursue academic excellence. "

Our Vision

The vision of Mangakōtukutuku College is Te Kura Whaikaha. In our school, our students are nurtured to be strong in their cultural identity and smart in the way they pursue personal excellence. 

Being strong in our cultural identity means having a deep understanding and appreciation of our ancestors' traditions, customs, values, and beliefs. It is important to recognise our cultural heritage and preserve it for future generations. This involves learning about our history, participating in cultural activities, and passing our knowledge to others. Examples of cultural activities include learning our ancestors' languages, practicing traditional art forms, and celebrating cultural holidays and festivals. Being strong in our cultural heritage provides a sense of belonging and identity, promotes understanding and respect for other cultures, and serves as a source of strength and resilience in the face of adversity. 

In our school, we aim to nurture culturally intelligent individuals who share an understanding that diversity is a strength and that all students have the potential to succeed regardless of their background. Students will be taught to recognise, appreciate, and respect the differences that exist among their peers, and to use these differences to learn from one another and to grow as strong individuals in a caring community. 

Being smart in the way we pursue personal excellence means having a strategic and effective approach to achieving our goals and becoming our best selves. It involves identifying our strengths and areas for improvement, setting realistic and achievable goals, and working towards those goals in a consistent and sustainable manner. We should also be self-aware and adaptable, learning from our mistakes and adjusting our strategies if needed. It is important to seek support and resources from teachers, parents, whānau, mentors, coaches, or other sources of guidance when required. Ultimately, to pursue personal excellence smartly, we need to take a proactive and intentional approach to our personal growth and development and be commiPed to the ongoing process of self-improvement.

In our school, students are encouraged to pursue excellence in all areas of their lives, including academics, athletics, the arts, and service to school and community. They will be taught to set ambitious goals for themselves and to develop the grit, perseverance and resilience needed to overcome challenges and setbacks. They are also encouraged to use their talents and abilities to make a positive difference in the world, and to become leaders who inspire others to do the same. 

Overall, our school is one where students are culturally intelligent and pursue excellence because it values diversity, promotes inclusivity, and fosters a culture of high achievement. It is a place where students are empowered to be their best selves, to embrace their unique talents and backgrounds, and to make a positive impact on the world around them. 

Te Kura Whaikaha was gifted to our school community by Dr. Ngapare Hopa (Ngati Wairere), a prominent Māori scholar and educator who has made significant contributions to Māori language revitalisation and cultural preservation. As an Oxford University graduate and a 2 Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, Dr. Hopa represents the epitome of our strong and smart approach as a pioneering Māori woman who is not only widely-respected, but much- loved and admired as a person, academic and leader within the Māori community and beyond.

Our Core Values

The following shared principles underpin our school’s vision of Te Kura Whaikaha and serve to

guide and unite our whole learning community in the way we work and behave


Whaimana

Whaimana is a Māori word that can be translated as "empowerment" or "to empower". It is derived from two Māori words, "whai" which means "to pursue" or "to seek" and "mana" which means "power", "authority", or "prestige".

Together, Whaimana refers to the process of gaining power, authority or prestige, or to the act of empowering oneself or others to achieve their goals and aspirations. In Māori culture, whaimana is an important concept that emphasises the need to recognise and uphold the mana or dignity of individuals and communities.

Whaiora

Whaiora is a Māori word that can be translated as "to pursue wellness" or "to seek healthy living". It is derived from two Māori words, "whai" which means "to pursue" or "to seek" and "ora" which means "health" or "well-being".

Together, whaiora refers to the process of pursuing or seeking optimal health and well-being, both physically and mentally. In Māori culture, whaiora is an important concept that emphasises the importance of taking care of oneself, one's community and the environment, and living in a balanced and harmonious way. The concept of whaiora is closely related to the principles of Te Whare Tapa Whā (Durie, 1985), which is a Māori model of health that recognises the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being, i.e., taha tinana (physical wellbeing), taha hinengaro (mental wellbeing), taha wairua (spiritual wellbeing) and taha whānau (family wellbeing).

Whaiara

The Māori word, "whai" which means "to pursue" or "to seek" while the word "ara" can have a few different meanings depending on the context. It can mean "path", "way", "road", or "route", as well as "waking" or "arousing".

In Māori culture, the concept of "ara" is oQen used metaphorically to refer to the journey of life, and the path or way that one follows to achieve their goals and aspirations. The concept of "ara" is also used in a spiritual context, where it can refer to the path or way to enlightenment or higher consciousness.