Laying the Foundations
While the idea to build a marae began in the early 1980s, it was part of the development of Māori language and culture in the school during the time of Mahia Nathan.
First Māori Head Girl
Hinerangi Kaa
Māori & Pacific Island Festival
The school hosts its first Māori and Pacific Island Festival on school grounds. The Māori stage located on the embankment behind the metalwork room. The stage was a trailer with fold out wings, flimsy and small. The stage broke numerous times when it came to the bigger groups participating.
Work on the Marae
Work on the marae (as it was to be known at the time) started in the 90s. The location of the marae build was next door to the Halford Sports Centre.
Totara rakau was sourced from Ngati Hine by the original carver Henare Mahanga who had whakapapa to the area.
Te Pou Herenga Waka
In October 1994, Te Pou Herenga Waka opened. We were blessed and honoured to have the presence of Koro Wetere and George Hawkins as Members of Parliament; Mrs Normal Lewis, Deputy Mayor of Manukau City; our kaumatua from Tauranga Moana and many friends from the local community and schools.
Relocation of Marae
In April 2004, Te Pou Herenga Waka Marae was relocated to its present site in 2004 and was to become Puutake Te Wāhanga Māori, a full Māori immersion wāhanga where other subjects were taught in Te Reo Māori.
Passing of Hōri Pomana
01 January 2017, our pou George Hōri Pomana was called to his tīpuna. It was a challenging year for both staff and students of Puutake Te Wāhanga Māori. We carried the loss of our rangatira but had to overcome our emotional grief to ensure the values he gifted to Te Pou Herenga Waka were maintained.
Kaitiaki of Puutake
Papa Hammond Matua took on the responsibility as the kaitiaki of Puutake after George’s passing.
Papa Hammond made it his mission to continue the legacy of the late George Pomana by ensuring Puutake students are achieving academically, culturally and on the sporting field.
Head of Faculty
Papa Hammond Matua was officially made Head of Faculty for Puutake Te Wāhanga Māori.
