Introduction: Te Ao Mārama School is the name selected by the Establishment Board of Trustees.
Meaning: ‘Te Ao Mārama’ is a Māori concept relating to wisdom and understanding, and the natural world of life and light.
Origin: It derives from the Maori legend in which Tāne (Māori guardian of the forest and birds) separated his Sky Father Ranginui and Earth Mother Papatūānuku to create a world of light and life. This world was known as ‘Te ao mārama’.
The name was gifted to us by Dr. Ngāpare Hopa ("Whaea Pare"), a Ngāti Wairere (local iwi) elder. Dr. Hopa wanted a name that would be all encompassing and link together Māori, European and the many other cultures, respect the past, while also focusing on the present and future. She wanted a name that would be "all encompassing". The school name is a real taonga (gift) and considered prestigious.
The School Site:
The rich cultural heritage of the area and the relationship with iwi are key aspects of the environment and identity of our school.