1289 days ago

North Shore high school amends uniform policy so students may show tā moko and taonga Māori

Caroline Williams Reporter from North Shore Times

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.

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More messages from your neighbours
13 minutes ago

Living the good life in retirement, a Stuff-Metlifecare partnership

Metlifecare

Kia ora team

Our special partnership with Metlifecare continues, and we have some great content to share with readers about people living their best lives in retirement.

This issue we look at some of the worthwhile volunteer roles retirees are filling in our communities, learn about mindfulness at any age, and check out some Kiwi beach travel options while the good weather lasts.

Don’t forget to try out our nostalgia quiz - it’s for anyone who wants to test the Kiwi knowledge they’ve picked up over the past four, five, six or more decades.

Joanna Davis
Homed Editor
Find out more

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2 days ago

Think You Know It All? Try Solving This First!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

How can you make 30 using only the numbers 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 with each number only used once?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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6 days ago

Are you keeping it old school?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We know that things come back around, look at vinyl records!

Do you still use any old-school technology (like landlines or VHS tapes) at home?

Let us know in the comments.

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