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).”
Click 'read more' for the full story.
Poll: Is your nearest emergency department up to scratch?
Concerns have been raised about Nelson Hospital with complaints of lack of staffing and excessive wait times. Do you have confidence in your local emergency department?
-
36.2% Yes, it serves us well
-
63% No, I have concerns
-
0.8% Other - I'll share below
Reminder: Tomorrow is our national walk-in adoption day with 50% off adoption fees
That’s right – if you’re ready to adopt, you can swing by your nearest SPCA Centre tomorrow (Saturday 5 April) to meet the animals without an appointment ?
It’s our goal to Clear the Shelters, so we’re offering 50% off all adoption fees until Sunday 13 April. With 1,100 animals currently available for adoption across the country, we’d love for you to come along tomorrow and meet those waiting. ?
You can also head over to our website to check out their profiles, and register your interest early if there’s a particular cutie who catches your eye – this will speed things up on the day.
To keep the experience as calm and positive as possible for our animals and staff, we kindly ask that only those seriously considering adoption attend.
See you tomorrow!
We need Volunteer Area Coordinators for our SPCA Street Appeal 2025!
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of animals? Do you love events and have strong organizational and administrative skills? Are you calm under pressure, an exceptional communicator, and eager to contribute your time to a cause that truly matters?
We're seeking Volunteer Area Coordinators to help organize collection sites and volunteer collectors in your area for SPCA Fill the Bucket appeal on Friday 30 May and Saturday 31 May.
SPCA’s Fill the Bucket Appeal is a vital fundraising event that directly supports our mission to protect and care for animals across New Zealand. As an Area Coordinator, you’ll play a key role in ensuring its success by assisting our Events Team with volunteer management, overseeing rosters, and coordinating collection sites in your designated area.
This year's Street Appeal takes place on Friday, May 30th and Saturday May 31st. If you're passionate about making a difference, we’d love to have you on board!
Click the link below to find out more and apply!
Loading…
