North Shore high school amends uniform policy so students may show tā moko and taonga Māori
Westlake Boys High School has amended its uniform policy, allowing students to wear tā moko and taonga Māori.
The high decile school had a review of its uniform policy after two senior students, from Ngāpuhi, Te Aupōuri and Te Rarawa in the Far North, were said to be “deeply hurt” by a request to hide their tā moko last year.
Tā moko are traditional tattoos on the face or body done under traditional protocols. The designs typically represent the wearer’s iwi (tribe) and whakapapa (ancestry).
Following complaints from the students’ whānau, a hui was held, prompting the school board to review and amend its uniform policy.
Now, students may wear visible tā moko, as well as mau kakī, hei tiki and whakakai – traditional Māori neck pendants usually made with pounamu (greenstone) or bone.
Te Pouarataki o Te Huarahi Reo Rua (leader of the bilingual programme) Johnny Waititi said the policy amendment meant there were fewer barriers for Māori students to express themselves without fear of being “growled at” or looked at differently.
“We’ve made some really big movement in honour of kaupapa Māori (topic) and te ao Māori (the Māori world view).”
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And the 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero is...
A huge congratulations to mother and son duo, Mary and Sam Danielson from The Puketapu Hotel.
The votes for all finalists have been tallied and they have been chosen by Neighbourly members across the country as the Prospa Local Business Hero of 2024.
The Puketapu Hotel was nominated by a local called Margaret and the nomination reads:
'On Feb 14, 2023, Cyclone Gabrielle flooded many of the rural areas. Puketapu Hotel went under perhaps half a meter of water. However, immediately Mary Danielson and her son, Sam Danielson, along with their loyal staff pulled it together to cook copious amounts of food that without electricity would have been wasted. Throughout the years many of us have been treated with a pub gathering where we can reconnect and a free meal. At Christmas there was Santa, games, gifts for kids, donated patchwork for adults, an ice cream truck and lots of camaraderie.
This February on the cyclone anniversary, they again pulled out the stops to give hundreds of us a special night. We are all tired of the cyclone cleanup and they understood that it was needed.'
Such a deserving business and team, well done Mary and Sam. And thank you to all those who voted!
Share your New Zealand music memories...
It's NZ Music Month and New Zealand really has some beautiful songs from artists that we call our own.
Whether it's April Sun in Cuba, Don't Forget your Roots, or How Bizarre or Bic Runga's 'Sway' - songs have a way of unlocking memories and evoking old feelings.
In honour of NZ Music Month, share a New Zealand song or artist that is special to you and explain why.
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The Tova Show
Hello! Are you a …
- A student/young professional renting
- A young family, renting or owning
- An older New Zealander/retiree/pensioner
We’re reaching out from the Tova show, the flagship weekly politics podcast on Stuff, as we prepare for our budget coverage and how it’s affecting Kiwis - we’d love to hear from you.
We need a few people who are available the week before the budget (Wednesday 22nd/Thursday 23rd May) and on the day of the announcement (Thursday 30th May).
Please email tova@stuff.co.nz or comment below if you’d like to share your perspective with us. We give you our commitment to treat your experience with sensitivity and care.
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