This whakatauki/proverb was first written by Sir Apirana Ngata in 1949 in the autograph book of a schoolgirl Rangi Bennett. Te Whakarōputanga received permission from Sir Apirana’s family to use this proverb. 

The original proverb refers to new growth, and in our context, new growth refers to children. This is how we developed our vision ‘in our children lies our future’.

Rito (child)

Awhi rito (parents)

Tūpuna (grandparents and ancestors)

E tipu e rea Image

Our waiata

Composed by Maata Wharehoka - Te Whakarōputanga Board, February 2014 

Listen here

 

He tipu he rea

Nga tikanga

Kia u kia arahi

Nga kura katoa

O Aotearoa

Kia kaha

Kia maia

Aki aki tonu atu

Hei oranga te tipuranga

Mo nga kura katoa

O Aotearoa

Manaakitia nga kura katoa

Manaakitia nga kura katoa

Manaakitia nga kura katoa

O Aotearoa

Timata ano mai i te tope

It is a tender shoot that grows

For so many reasons

Be steadfast, be leaders

In every school in Aotearoa

In Aotearoa

Be strong

Be mindful

Urge and encourage this forever

Wellness of future generations

In every school in Aotearoa

In Aotearoa

Support every school

Respect every school

Take care of every school 

In Aotearoa

Repeat from the beginning