Te Wharekura o Ruatoki


Te Wharekura o Ruatoki is a school in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, serving children, years 1 through 13. It was established in 1896 after a visit by Richard Seddon and James Carroll
In 1978 it became New Zealand’s first officially bilingual school.

Students & the School

The students are currently 99% Tūhoe Māori. It serves its community and other townships close by, with children transported to school by bus, van or car from Kawerau, Whakatane, Opotiki and Taneatua.
For many years Te Wharekura o Ruatoki has had numerous highly profiled people visit the school. Many such as political members of the House of Representatives, High Commissioners, sport exponents and other notable alumni.
The school and its people are very passionate about their tikanga and kawa of their Iwi Ngāi Tūhoe. It is within a highly prioritised tikanga and kawa of Ngāi Tūhoe that guests are welcomed on to the school or in to their community. Hobbies of the school and its young educators are Kapa Haka, Manu Kōrero, Waka Ama, Sports Exchange and other national school activities.
The school assembles at their gymnasium every first and last day of the school week to have karakia. The school abides by the church of Te Haahi Ringatu, which is a commonly known church in New Zealand established by Te Kooti Arikirangi also known as.
The school and its educators follow their motto “Ko tā mātau kitenga anamata, Ko te tiketike Tūhoetanga” to encourage and urge themselves to strive for the highest and successful attributes education provides for all.

School Houses

All students and teachers are split into four house groups.

History

Te Wharekura O Ruatoki school was first established in June 1896 after a short visit by two New Zealand politicians to the Ruatoki community in 1895 by James Carroll and Richard Seddon.
A past Principal of the School, Mr. Oscar Holyoake who served during 1948 – 1953 was also a notable alumnus in the education sector as his brother Sir Keith Holyoake was Deputy Prime Minister at the time, however, years before, was a senior Government Minister. Close to a decade later, the brother of Principal Holyoake, Sir Keith, was appointed Prime Minister of New Zealand. Years later, Sir Keith was also appointed Governor General, a representative role to Her Majesty the Queen of England for New Zealand as well as being Prime Minister.
Previous Names