MOTTO

Ko Ruawaahia te maunga
Ko Tarawera te awa
Ko Rangiaohia te whare tupuna
Ko Te Arawa te waka
Ko Ngati Rangihihi te iwi
Tihei Mauri Ora!

Whakapou Korero (Fount of Learning) was given to us by a local kaumatua and past pupil, Mr Jack Brady in honour of our Centenary.  Our motto, like so many Maori sayings, encompasses far more meaning than a simple translation would indicate.  Probably the best english equivalent is Fount of Learning, and yet this does not say it all, because in Maori, the phrase includes more than merely secular knowledge; there is also an element of spiritual learning.  Thus the phrase or motto is particularly apt for our school where the two elements of secular and religious teachings are inextricably woven together.  Whakapou Korero, and thus our school through its motto, expresses its long links with the local people of Ngati Rangitihi.