WAKA HUIA

At Mākoura College, our analogy is that our students are the precious adorments inside our Waka Huia whānau grouping.

We believe strongly in holistic education for our students.  Waka Huia is our daily mentoring time which enables students to connect with their Waka Huia teacher each day.  It's a time to explore the strengths each of us possesses.  Students focus in on Tika, Pono and Aroha - and how these values can support us in school and in life.

The Waka Huia teacher is a significant adult who mentors, coaches and advocates for their students.  They are the link between school and home.   Usually, Waka Huia teachers stay with the same group of students throughout their time at Mākoura College - to develop connection with student and whānau.

Key Waka Huia Roles

Waka Huia Teacher:

  • Builds a positive learning relationship with their students.
  • Collaborates with whānau by building and maintaining positive relationships.
  • Supports and helps develop personalised goals and an individualised pathway.
  • Monitors students' progress regularly and communicates with whānau any concerns.
  • Builds warm relationships within their Waka Huia group.

The Waka Huia teacher is a significant person who:

  • has relationships with whānau and if whānau have concerns they have a direct line.
  • knows how the student is going across all subjects.
  • who meets with the student and the whānau to set learning goals.
  • monitors student progress towards achieving the goals set.
  • ensures the opportunity for success of every student.

A Waka Huia is a treasure box, which was used by Māori to hold precious adornments such as hei tiki (pendants) and huia feathers for dressing the hair.