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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Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we are having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
Test Your Wits! Today's Riddle Will Keep You Guessing!
Only one colour, but not one size,
Stuck at the bottom, yet easily flies.
Present in the sun, but not in rain,
Doing no harm, and feeling no pain.
What is it?
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.
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Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.7% Yes
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14.8% No
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2.5% Other - I'll share below